Do you have a friend therapist? A friend therapist can be unrivalled. A year ago, I was traumatised and had firsthand experience of how talking to my inner circle of friends was, at that point in time, the best form of therapy. Like the sun that rises every day I recall the unwavering support from my friends. They were there to talk to, to share their thoughts, make me cups of coffee, feed me, go on beach walks, drink vino with and to take my mind off things with movies, dancing and live bands.
Your closest friends you can confide in and can talk back to you on a personal level based on the fact that they know you can be very comforting. When a friend is experiencing mental distress or abusive behaviour people to tend rely on their own experience and understanding to provide empathy, compassion and help. Some of this help may work better than other forms of help.
Don’t get me wrong as an Allied Health Professional daily I help people with physical, mental, social and emotional concerns. I know as a trained practitioner I am better equipped to support dealing with difficult emotional issues, identifying new ways of thinking about problems and challenging self-defeating belief and behaviours.
Regardless, never underestimate the importance of the role that your friends play in your life.