7 Reasons You Shouldn’t Start Therapy

(And Why That Might Mean You Actually Should)

When people think about therapy, they can sometimes feel intimidated at the thought of getting started. We often build up reasons in our head why it’s not the right time, or things aren’t really that bad, or friend said it didn’t help them. Ultimately, those hesitations around therapy might be holding you back from leaning into getting support and starting to make changes in your life.  

Today I’m looking at 7 reasons you might tell yourself not to start therapy and how each reason might actually be pointing to exactly why therapy could be a positive choice for you.

1. “I Don’t Have Time.”

Between work deadlines, family responsibilities, social commitments, and everyday life demands, the thought of carving out an hour a week for therapy might feel impossible. You might think, “I’ll start when things calm down.”

👉 Melice’s Take: If your life feels so full that you can’t find an hour for yourself, that’s often a sign that therapy is exactly what you need. Therapy helps you re-prioritize, set healthy boundaries, and create more sustainable ways to manage your time and energy. In the end, it can actually give you back more time by reducing overwhelm and burnout.

2. “Nothing Traumatic Has Happened to Me.”

It’s easy to think therapy is only for people who’ve experienced extreme loss, trauma, or crisis. If you haven’t faced those things, you might feel like your problems aren’t “big enough” to seek help.

👉 Melice’s Take: Therapy isn’t reserved for trauma survivors. It’s a place to unpack daily stress, anxiety, self-doubt, relationship challenges, and personal goals. In fact, addressing smaller issues before they grow into bigger ones is one of the most proactive ways to care for your mental health.

3. “Talking About Feelings Is Uncomfortable.”

You might pride yourself on being logical, practical, or private. The idea of sitting with someone and naming your emotions out loud can feel awkward, vulnerable, or downright terrifying.

👉 Melice’s Take: Growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Therapy is a safe, confidential space to practice expressing emotions without judgment. Over time, it becomes easier – and you gain confidence in sharing your needs, setting boundaries, and connecting more deeply with others.

4. “I Should Be Able to Handle Things On My Own.”

Independence is a value many of us hold close. You might think needing therapy means you’re weak, broken, or failing in some way. “If I can’t handle this by myself, what does that say about me?”

👉 Melice’s Take: In reality, reaching out for help is one of the bravest and strongest choices you can make. Therapy isn’t about someone fixing you, it’s about partnering with a professional who can help you build skills, gain clarity, and move through challenges more effectively. Even the most independent people benefit from having someone in their corner.

5. “It Won’t Change Anything Anyway.”

If you’ve been feeling stuck for a long time, it’s normal to feel hopeless about change. You might think, “This is just who I am. Therapy can’t change that.”

👉 Melice’s Take: Therapy doesn’t magically erase problems overnight, but it does create a space for new perspectives and insights to emerge. Small shifts in understanding can lead to significant changes in how you feel, think, and show up in your life. Feeling hopeless about change might actually be a sign that therapy is exactly what you need to regain hope.

6. “I Don’t Want to Dwell on the Past.”

You’re focused on the future and would rather not dig up old memories or feelings. Maybe you believe that what’s done is done, and rehashing it will only make things worse.

👉 Melice’s Take: While therapy can explore past experiences, its purpose is to understand how those experiences influence you now, so you can move forward with greater self-awareness and freedom. It’s less about reliving pain, and more about releasing its grip on your current life.

7. “Therapy Is Too Expensive.”

Investing in therapy can feel hard to justify, especially when there are so many other financial priorities. You might think, “I can’t spend that kind of money on myself.”

👉 Melice’s Take: Therapy is an investment in your mental health, relationships, career, and overall wellbeing. The cost of not addressing mental health concerns, through stress-related illness, relationship breakdowns, burnout, or lost productivity, often far outweighs the investment in therapy. You deserve to prioritize your emotional and mental wellbeing, just as you would your physical health.

If you’ve found yourself thinking any of these thoughts, you’re not alone. Almost every person I've worked with has felt some hesitation or fear at the beginning. These “reasons not to start therapy” are often protective beliefs we hold to keep ourselves comfortable and safe. But comfort doesn’t always equal growth.

When you’re ready to explore how therapy can support you in feeling more grounded, connected, and resilient, we’re here to walk alongside you, with no judgment, just compassionate support and practical tools to help you live with greater ease.

Interested in exploring therapy? Click here to book your FREE 15 min session.