Therapy and mental health support are often misunderstood, especially among us in sub-Saharan Africa. Many assume you must be “crazy” or “broken” to talk to a therapist. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Therapy is a helpful tool for anyone navigating life’s challenges, whether big or small. Therapy can help us to gain clarity, develop better coping skills, and even learn how to set boundaries and communicate properly. Before we dig into understanding if you need therapy, let’s set a foundation.
What is Therapy, really?
Therapy (or counselling) is a confidential setting where you talk to a trained mental health professional about your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. It’s a space free of judgment, designed to help you understand yourself better and develop healthier coping skills. Therapy can be done in person, online, or even via phone. However, note that for it to be therapy, you need to have the conversation with a mental health professional.
When Should You Consider Therapy?
You might benefit from therapy if you are
- Constantly feel overwhelmed, anxious, or down
- Experiencing frequent mood swings
- Struggling to focus or stay motivated
- Have experienced trauma or loss
- Are navigating major life changes (school, work, relationships)
- Feel stuck, hopeless, or directionless
Experiencing any of the situations above is a pointer that you might need to speak with a professional. Remember, therapy can also be helpful for self-discovery, improving communication, and setting healthy boundaries.
Signs You Might Be Suppressing Emotional Pain
- You laugh off serious issues with sarcasm
- You stay overly busy to avoid thinking
- You use alcohol, food, or social media to escape
- You often feel numb or disconnected with events around you
These coping mechanisms are common but do not address the root issues. However, therapy can.
What to Expect in a Therapy Session
- A safe space to talk openly
- Active listening from your therapist
- Guided conversations to explore your emotions
- Techniques to improve mental clarity and emotional resilience
- Confidentiality and respect
Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Finding the right fit may take a few sessions, and that’s okay.
How to Find a Therapist in Nigeria
- Use directories like ours to search for facilities
- Try platforms that offer digital mental health support
- Ask for referrals in trusted health communities
- Look for free student counselling services if you’re in school
Is Therapy Affordable?
Yes.
More providers now offer sliding-scale fees, student discounts, or even free sessions. Some platforms offer therapy starting as low as N2,000 per session.
Organisations like LagosMinD offer free psychological first aid and referral to adjacent service providers who can offer help. We are seeing a rising number of facilities and service providers, help might just be a click away
Final Takeaway
Therapy is not a last resort; it is a step toward becoming your healthiest self. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, confusion, or simply need someone to talk to, therapy can help you gain clarity and peace of mind.
Don’t wait until things fall apart. Prioritise your mental health early, and therapy might be one of the best decisions you ever make. Start small, stay open-minded, and take the first step toward healing today.
Reach out to us, if you need someone to speak with today.
