Ask the Experts: Benefits of Therapy

Ask the Experts...

Dear Burn Community, 

Welcome to "Ask the Experts," Journey Magazine's advice column. In this edition, we received common questions about returning to work, how therapy can help your recovery, and the importance of nutrition. As we respond to submitted questions from the community, we draw on our personal and professional experience to offer guidance and do our best to make it good advice.

Want your question featured in the magazine? Email resources@phoenix-society.org with "Ask the Experts" in the subject line. No question is off limits! Odds are, someone else is facing a similar challenge.

Sincerely,

Lise, Felicia, Sam

Question: Benefits of Therapy

Dear Experts,

I’m almost five years out from my burn injury but I am struggling mentally. My friends and family have been encouraging me to try therapy, but I’m not sure it’s right for me. What are the benefits of going to therapy and what are therapy sessions like? Or what other recommendations do you have?

Anthony

RESPONSE FROM Dr. Lise Deguire

Dear Anthony,

Recovery from burns can be a life-long journey, and not just a physical one. We burn survivors often struggle emotionally and socially after being burned. It is not uncommon to have issues with worry, post-traumatic stress disorder, insomnia, grief, social anxiety, body image, and/or depression.

As a burn survivor and clinical psychologist, I have sat in both chairs. I was in therapy for many years, and I have also been a therapist for decades. Good psychotherapy has immense value for people who suffer. The immediate gifts of therapy are having a trusted expert who understands how you truly feel: someone you can say anything to, who is not there to judge you, whose only priority is helping you. In addition, a good therapist can identify ways to improve your life through symptom management. Better ways of thinking, better self-care, better relationship skills—you name it!

Most therapy sessions are 45-50 minutes long and completely private between you and your therapist. They will work hard to engage you, help you feel safe, and encourage you to talk. Good therapists maintain a nice balance between respectful listening and offering feedback and recommendations.

Anthony, if your loved ones think therapy might help you, why not give it a try? Give it a few sessions. If you don't like it, you can always stop. If you do like it, you might find that therapy really improves the quality of your life.

Good luck!

Dr. Lise Deguire graduated from Tufts University and earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from Hahnemann/Widener University. She is the author of award-winning memoir Flashback Girl: Lessons on Resilience from a Burn Survivor. She is a blogger for Psychology Today and has appeared on NPR, NBC, ABC, FOX, Sirius XM, and numerous podcasts. Dr. Deguire writes a blog about psychological resilience issues and is a national keynote speaker. She lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Douglas Behan, two wonderful daughters, and one rambunctious dog. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or her website, LiseDeguire.com.

Disclaimer: The medical information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical knowledge is continually evolving, and recommendations may change over time. Content shared by subject matter experts reflects their expertise and experience at the time of publication and may not be applicable to all individuals. Always seek the guidance of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition. The views expressed by individual contributors do not necessarily reflect those of Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors.