Could you benefit from seeing a therapist?

Everyone knows what it is like to experience pain. Bruises, cuts, sprains, and breaks are an unavoidable part of life. When pain is physical in nature, it is relatively easy to recognize as it tends to be rather immediate and localized. And because it can often be objectively verified by others, physical pain is considered valid. 

Emotional pain is different because emotions are internal experiences - not directly observable to others - and most of us have become quite skilled at minimizing, escaping, or avoiding the pain caused by negative emotions. Sometimes these strategies are healthy, such as choosing not to dwell  on a situation over which you have no control. Sometimes they are unhealthy (e.g., refusing to engage in any activity that does not guarantee you absolute control). But mostly they are automatic, operating largely outside of our awareness but affecting us all the same. 

Emotional distress (whether a lifelong issue or a recent development) can make our world feel foreign to us, hostile and unwelcoming. It can impact our ability to perform at school or on the job; it can put tremendous strain on relationships; and it just generally feels awful. 

But it doesn't have to continue unabated. You don't have to go on suffering just because that is what you have always done. Whatever has brought you to this point is an indicator that you believe that you (or a loved one) might benefit from help, which means getting as much information as you can to make an informed decision. 

A good therapist is a source of validation, understanding, knowledge, and support  who can help you navigate pain and distress and to grow stronger, healthier, and happier. I would be hard pressed to come up with someone who would not benefit from such a relationship.