Therapy versus Therapeutic

I went out for a run today and found myself reflecting on how wonderful it feels to move my body, breathe in fresh air, and take some time to think. Some of my most creative ideas come to me during these runs, often because I find myself free from distractions. This allows me to focus on my inner thoughts, let my mind wander, and see where it takes me.

This made me think about how often people say that activities like running, yoga, reading, or watching films act as their therapy. I understand why they feel that way; engaging in these activities feels good and often brings them a sense of comfort. But can we genuinely call these activities therapy? Here's my perspective.

Activities like running, yoga, reading, and watching films can certainly have therapeutic benefits. They can boost our mood, improve our health, and create a sense of community. However, it's important to recognise that there’s a big difference between what is therapeutic and what is actual therapy. Let me use an analogy related to dental health to explain.

You probably brush your teeth regularly to prevent cavities and bad breath, right? This routine helps you maintain oral health and keep dental problems at bay. Similarly, running supports your physical well-being just like brushing your teeth helps your dental health. But even if you brush diligently, you might still end up with cavities and need to see a dentist—someone with the training and expertise to address those issues. You wouldn’t expect to diagnose or treat your dental problems by yourself.

While therapy focuses on mental and emotional health, physical health and context play significant roles in our overall well-being. Running can help with physical fitness, but it can't solve mental or emotional issues on its own. Healing isn’t something you can achieve entirely by yourself; it often requires a supportive relationship with someone who can help you navigate your inner world. Just as you wouldn’t go to a dentist for depression, relying solely on exercise to manage your mental health isn’t enough.

So, why choose therapy? Here are a few key reasons:

1. We Aren't Meant to Heal Alone
   While you might manage some of your healing on your own, true healing often needs support. Therapists aim to provide you with enough independence for your natural healing process to unfold while also offering empathy, care, feedback, and expertise. It’s crucial to acknowledge that you are the expert in your life, but that doesn’t mean you should face everything alone. We all have blind spots and limitations that can prevent us from seeing what we truly need. That’s why it’s important to combine self-awareness with support from others.

2. Therapy Offers a Unique Relationship
   The therapeutic relationship is unlike any other. You meet once a week for about 50 minutes to explore the details of your life at a deep level that you might not have done before. As you share, you build trust with your therapist. The level of attention and understanding you receive is special, as they are focused solely on you and your needs. Their expertise can help you navigate your healing journey in new and enriching ways.

3. Healing Requires Sorting Through Pain
   Many people seek therapy to address deep hurts and trauma. The deeper the pain, the longer the healing process may take—not because you are broken or because your therapist wants to take advantage of you, but because trauma often leads to self-protective habits. These protective mechanisms need to be addressed before deeper work can occur. Establishing trust and safety with your therapist might take time, especially if past experiences have conditioned you to view others as unsafe. A therapist can help you understand your self-protective behaviours, find new ways to manage your emotions, and encourage you to take risks that build trust in the therapeutic relationship. Overcoming these barriers allows you to access the inner resources you need to heal and opens up the possibility for positive relationships that promote healing rather than hurt.

While therapy isn’t the only path to healing, it creates a unique environment where profound and meaningful work can be done. Many activities can be therapeutic, and healing is undoubtedly a complex process influenced by various factors. Anything that supports your well-being—whether through physical activity, creative expression, or connection with others—can contribute to your healing journey. But there’s truly nothing quite like the experience of therapy with a trained professional.