Why We Avoid Therapy (And What It’s Really Costing Us)

Despite therapy being more accessible and normalized than ever, many people still delay getting help. Here’s what you need to know about why we avoid therapy — and what that avoidance might be costing your mental health.

You’ve probably heard this before: “I’m not the type of person who needs therapy.” Or maybe: “I’ll go if things get worse.”

But what if waiting is part of the problem?

According to a study published in Psychiatric Services, the average delay between the onset of mental health symptoms and receiving treatment is 8 to 10 years. That’s nearly a decade of suffering, often in silence.

Why We Avoid Therapy:

1. Stigma & Shame
   Despite growing awareness, mental health stigma still exists. For many, especially in communities of color and religious circles, seeking therapy is wrongly seen as weakness.

2. Fear of Judgment
   It’s hard to be vulnerable — especially with a stranger. But therapists are trained not to judge. They’re trained to help you uncover, understand, and transform.

3. Cost or Accessibility
   Some people believe therapy is only for the wealthy. But many therapists (myself included) offer sliding scales, insurance coverage, or free consultations to make support accessible.

4. Thinking It’s Not ‘Bad Enough’
   Many wait until things are unbearable. But therapy isn’t just for crisis — it’s for prevention, insight, and growth.

5. Cultural or Spiritual Misalignment
   You may fear a therapist won’t understand your background, culture, or faith. Finding someone who aligns with your values is key — and very possible.

A 2022 global review published in The Lancet Psychiatry emphasized that culturally-sensitive therapy significantly improves client outcomes and trust in the therapeutic process.

What Avoiding Therapy Can Cost You:

• Relationship strain due to unresolved emotional issues

• Burnout and anxiety from chronic stress and suppressed feelings

• Unhealthy coping habits like emotional eating, withdrawal, overworking, or substance misuse

• Delayed healing from past trauma, grief, or major life events

Left unchecked, these struggles can lead to long-term mental and physical health issues — all of which are harder (but never impossible) to untangle later.

What Happens When You Say Yes to Therapy:

✅ You gain self-awareness and tools to manage your emotions
✅ You learn how to change patterns that no longer serve you
✅ You feel less alone — someone is truly in your corner
✅ You begin the process of healing, growth, and clarity

Research from the American Psychological Association shows that 75% of people who engage in therapy report significant improvement in their mental health within a few sessions.

Therapy isn’t just a solution — it’s an investment. In you.

Let’s Talk

If something in you feels like it’s time to reach out, I’m here. My practice integrates trauma-informed therapy, CBT, DBT, and faith-aligned perspectives for those who value emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness. Whether you’re navigating burnout, anxiety, trauma, or relationship struggles — I’d be honored to walk with you.

📍 Book a free confidential consultation at BookNow or to get started.

Written by Ibrahim Al-Sadi, RN, Nurse Psychotherapist
CBT | DBT | Trauma Therapy | Spiritual Integration | Mentorship | Couples Therapy