That’s a valid question—and the honest answer is: it depends. Many people try to work through things on their own, and sometimes it helps. But when it comes to deeper struggles, especially those rooted in trauma, things get more complex. Trauma is often relational—created in the context of relationships with others. And while we might understand what’s wrong and even know why we feel the way we do, that awareness doesn’t always bring relief. Why? Because our responses are embodied. Our feelings and emotional reactions often override our thoughts. That’s why in therapy, we don’t just focus on what you think or understand intellectually—we also work with what’s happening in your body.

Imagine this: you’ve read all the books on assertiveness, listened to podcasts, practiced in front of the mirror—you feel ready. But when you're finally in front of someone, the words vanish. You freeze or smile instead of setting a boundary. That’s not a failure of knowledge—it’s your body and emotions reacting in ways shaped by past experiences. This is where therapy makes a real difference. Because self-help can take you far, but it can’t always shift the deeply rooted patterns that were formed in relationship—and can only be healed in relationship, too.