How many times have we heard that going to the psychologist is for crazy people? Surely many, despite the fact that psychologists, psychiatrists or psychosomatic doctors have a scientific and professional reputation that is recognized by all, it is true that the majority still have a social stigma about attending mental health experts. Well, ‘others will think we’re crazy if we go to a psychologist and we’re not crazy’. 
Do you have someone around you who you think should have psychological assistance but flatly refuses to accept it? In this article we help you with some very effective tactics with which you can convince that person to go to the psychologist. Taking care of the mental health of those we care about is essential, yes, without pressing!
Why do we have the social perception that going to the psychologist is crazy?
- The main reason for this social stigma on psychological assistance is because there is a misconception of what the profile of a psychologist really is, where he is only in charge of dealing with psychiatric patients or people with serious disorders. And although it is part of the job, it is not the ultimate goal.
- The second great reason for this stigma is a more intimate matter, since it is natural that people feel reluctant to admit that they have a problem and specially to work on it, since they feel vulnerable, exposed and judged by someone who can use methods invasive to know all the secrets they hide. It is an innate resistance to avoid what can affect us, even if they are necessary to improve.
- So, when ignorance and resistance to change come together, the result is people who close in on themselves and don’t let themselves be helped. Unfortunately, these cases are extremely common.
Can someone be convinced to attend psychological therapy?
Surely you have ever known a friend or family member who is going through a traumatic situation that is consuming their life and needs to be resolved, for which you suggest that they go to the psychologist and answer that they do not need it because they are not crazy or say that they will go, but it never actually does.
Many, faced with this situation, tend to take the harshest alternative and force these people to attend therapy or deceive them (especially in the case of children). This is definitely not the best option, as once they notice what is actually happening, their resistance will increase and the initial problem can end up becoming a much bigger problem.
What can I do to get someone to accept the help of a psychologist?
If you know someone close to you who really needs urgent psychological assistance, there are some considerations that you should take into account first:
Do not judge or pressure
Nobody wants to do something by force or against their will, so your role at all times should be to help them acquire a minimum degree of acceptance of the problem that is affecting their life and to make them see that there are capable professionals. to help solve it.
It affects you?
If that person’s problem affects you directly, your feelings may also be involved, including annoyance and frustration. But it can also be a good starting point to explain to that person, from your own concern, how his problem is deteriorating your relationship and that you need to work on it.
Delicacy
Empathy is always essential to convince a person to attend a psychological consultation. It is important that she does not feel judged, belittled, or singled out, but that she knows that she is counting on you to accompany her, but that, undoubtedly, she needs to take action on the matter.
Motivations
Make him notice that his problem is not only affecting his mood, but is also spreading to other fields, such as his work or academic area, daily performance, interpersonal relationships.
Many people with emotional or behavioral problems do not want to go to the psychologist because they are convinced that he cannot help them in any way, even if they have no grounds for it. Therefore, they need to seek motivation, if not personal, to do it for someone else.
Find a good time
Although the perfect moment does not exist, it is not the same that you suggest going to the psychologist in a private environment, then doing it in the middle of a group meeting. A good recommendation is to bring up the subject, prompting a previous conversation about the problem that is affecting that person and presenting it as the most effective solution.
Invite him to look for information
On the Internet you can find pages that offer information and guidance on what psychological assistance is about. This greatly reduces anxiety about the unknown and helps convince that person to take the next step.
In order to truly obtain a favorable result, it is inherently necessary that there is a real commitment on the part of the patient and the work to come. Commitment that is not obtained by obligation or with deceit, but can be achieved with empathy and support.