Therapeutic vs therapy: Exploring the difference between things that feel good and therapy

I’m sure you’ve heard someone say ‘gym is my therapy’ when talking about the benefits they get from working out. As self-care becomes more popular, phrases like this are becoming more popular.

Now, I love self-care, and I truly believe that incorporating elements of it into your life have huge benefits to your wellbeing.

In fact, I often encourage clients to engage in activities that are therapeutic, as I believe these activities are vital to promote good mental health.

However, there is a difference between these activities that make you feel good, and formal therapy, where you chat with a professional about your feelings.

Let’s break it down:

Here’s things that are therapeutic:

• Exercise. Exercise isn’t just for physical fitness, it also releases hormones that boost your mood. Whether you like to lift iron at the gym, dance it out in your living room, go for a walk or do some yoga, it’s all good.
• Creativity. Some people enjoy artistic expression, which could be painting, poetry writing or playing an instrument. It doesn’t matter whether you consider yourself to be an amateur or have been doing these things for years, it’s all about expressing emission through words, pictures or sound.
• Being one with Nature. Some people feel their best when they’re out in nature. Whether it’s going for a hike, or sitting by a lake, being in nature can help calm the mind and make you feel more connected to the world around you.
• Breathe in, breathe out. For some people, meditation or mindfulness practice can help to forget about the things that are weighing on your mind and tune in to the present moment.
• Journaling. Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be very therapeutic. It can be a space where you offload all of your thoughts and feelings and can make space for new ideas and perspectives.

Here’s what you get during therapy time:

• Speaking to a Professional: You may be familiar with the phrase ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’ and it’s true that talking about what’s on your mind can be very beneficial. The difference between sharing with a friend and speaking to a therapist is that a therapist is trained to help you unpack your thoughts and feelings. 
• Going Deep: Unlike a quick chat with a friend, therapy dives into the areas you may be reluctant to talk about with even your closest friends. Session may explore sensitive topics such as your deepest fears, complicated relationships with loved ones or past traumas. 
• Getting Expert Advice: Therapists aren’t just listeners; they’re also experts in mental health. Equipped with a range of tools and tips, they can help you create your own toolbox of resources that you can draw on to help manage daily life more effectively.
• Tackling Big Issues, or Doing Maintenance: Some people think that therapy is something that you only do when you are experiencing  significant distress, but it can also be a form of maintenance. Think of it like an MOT for your mind.

By understanding the difference between feel-good activities and therapy, you can find the right balance for your mental health.

Go ahead, enjoy those walks in the park and creative hobbies, but don’t hesitate to reach out for therapy when you need that extra support.

Therapeutic activities and therapy itself can work hand in hand to ensure you’re taking care of your wellbeing in the best way possible.