Therapy: A Path to Mental Health and Personal Growth

I might have mentioned this before, and while still I’ve often found myself hesitating to share personal reflections, doubting their worthiness for public discussion, I end up sharing them.

Through the past few years, I had countless conversations about the value of mental health. Thankfully, it’s a topic that is no longer a taboo. In Argentina, particularly in Buenos Aires where I was born, attending therapy is not just accepted; it’s celebrated. Seen as a sign of strength and a proactive approach to maintaining mental well-being, therapy in Buenos Aires is a cultural norm, just as common as a dentist appointment. It’s fascinating to see how therapy transcends the stigma often associated with it in other parts of the world. Argentina might have many other areas that require improvement, especially the political and economic situation. We might not be proud of our politicians, yet we do excel in building friendships and human relationships.

Argentina’s approach to therapy provides a valuable lesson: mental health care should be normalized and accepted by all. Whether you’re dealing with specific issues or simply seeking personal growth, therapy can be a transformative experience. For professionals, the benefits of therapy extend beyond personal well-being; they enhance professional performance and leadership capabilities.

Therapy is not just for crises; it is a continuous journey of self-improvement.

One evening, a few months ago, I mentioned to a friend that every Monday evening I was busy because I had my therapy session. My friend, surprised, immediately asked, “Is everything okay?” I explained that yes, everything was fine. That I had been attending therapy for over a year, and it had become an invaluable part of my routine. I had also attended therapy on and off in previous years and found it fascinating. Therapy has helped me grow and provided me a safe space for self-reflection.

Through the time working with my therapist, I learned that building the relationship and trust with the professional takes time, and that therapy matters, also when you feel happy, and things are going well. Maintaining regular therapy sessions helped me keep a clear and balanced perspective, crucial for making decisions. (I still make wrong decisions, but that’s not my therapist’s fault, and it’s also part of the process!).

While managing a large group of people a couple of years ago, listening to other colleagues’ struggles, I found that therapy was a safe space for emotional venting. It also worked the other way around; I found that I could apply certain professional skills such as Goal Setting and Achievement, towards my sessions. It also enabled me to manage stress better, make (hopefully) thoughtful decisions, and lead with empathy and understanding.

As you know by now, since I’m Argentine, I always find a good opportunity to talk about Messi, football, and the World Cup. Therapy has also been found crucial for athletes, especially those competing at the highest levels. Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez is a prime example of this. Martinez has openly shared his journey with therapy, both during his struggles and his triumphs. When he was struggling to secure a spot in a top team, therapy helped him maintain his mental resilience and focus. During the highs of winning the World Cup, therapy continued to play a role in keeping him grounded. Martinez’s story is a testament to the importance of mental health care in achieving and maintaining peak performance, not just in sports but in any high-pressure field.

On this huge professional network, I wanted to share my brief experience. If even one person reading this post finds it helpful and feels motivated to start therapy, I’ll consider it already a great success. If you are struggling, know you are not alone, and if you’re interested in counselling or therapy, please make sure to talk to a professional! Thank you for reading and have a great day!