What is Normal From a Mental Health Therapists Perspective

Author: Kelley Kramer Sieger, LPCC, An Inspired Life Counseling 

Date: 6/7/2025 

What Is Normal: From a Mental Health Therapist’s Perspective 

This blog is a follow-up to Dr. Dan’s thought-provoking post, What Is Normal from a Mental Health  Perspective?

I recently met Dr. Dan and after reading his post, was extremely curious to learn more about his  views on mental health and therapy. In his post, he shares that he’s tended to undervalue  emotional processing and resonates with Charlie Munger’s philosophy: “The iron rule of life is  everybody struggles, but you have to soldier through. It’s your only option.” 

After our conversation, I felt compelled to expand on his message—not to disagree, rather add to it.  I wanted to speak directly to those who feel stuck or like they have no choice. To offer  encouragement. To inspire hope for change. 

When we met face-to-face, I’ll admit—I felt a little intimidated. He is a doctor, after all. But I was  quickly put at ease by his warmth, openness, mutual respect, and genuine curiosity about what  was going on inside me. That sense of safety made it easy to challenge him on one key phrase: “You  have to soldier through.” 

While I understood what he meant, I worried readers might interpret it as a call to suffer silently or  “pull yourself up by your bootstraps.” 

Early in our conversation, it became clear that our core beliefs align. We both recognize that  suffering is part of being human. To deny that is to deny reality. Fighting reality causes suffering.  Everyone struggles. And though it may feel like you’re alone, you’re not, someone else has felt what  you’re feeling. 

What felt missing from his post was the how. How do people who feel stuck begin to move forward?  Yes, we may need to soldier through, but not alone. Even soldiers have a platoon. Support matters.  Encouragement matters. Having someone walk beside you matters. That’s where therapy can make  all the difference.

What Is Normal? 

It’s normal to say during a first therapy call, “I’ve been thinking about doing this for a long time.”

It’s normal to struggle, life is full of ups and downs, including seasons of suffering. 

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, guilty, ashamed, sad, angry, regretful, fearful, or lonely. You’re  human, and you were designed to experience a full range of emotions. 

It’s normal (though not healthy) that society teaches us to suppress feelings and “just keep going.” 

Sometimes we get stuck. Life feels heavy and disorienting, and it becomes hard to keep going. That,  too, is normal. 

If you or someone you care about is in that stuck place, working with a trusted mental health  therapist can help. Therapy can support  you in untangling overwhelming emotions, restoring clarity and self-compassion, and finding your  footing again. A good therapist becomes a partner in your growth, helping you make choices that  align with the life you want. 

As Dr. Dan said, “Life is hard. It’s hard to stay consistent, stay present, and keep learning and  adapting. But the alternative, checking out, is arguably harder.” 

You do have a choice. It’s normal to lose sight of that. Therapy can help you remember.

If You’re Considering Therapy 

Here are tips to help you find the right therapist: 

• Look for someone who specializes in the issues you’re facing (anxiety, trauma,  relationships, grief). 

• Learn about different approaches (IFS, CBT, EMDR, psychodynamic, somatic) to see what  resonates. 

• Choose someone you feel safe, respected, and understood by, this connection is often  more important than credentials. 

• Consider whether the therapist has experience with your cultural identity or worldview. • Make sure they’re affordable, whether through insurance, a sliding scale, or out-of-pocket. • Think about practical needs: Do they offer teletherapy? Do their hours fit your schedule? • A good therapist will help you clarify your goals and revisit them over time. 

• Therapists vary in style: some are directive, others more reflective. Choose what feels right  for you. 

• Many therapists offer a free 15-minute consultations. Use that time to see if it feels like a  good fit before committing. If they don’t offer one, it’s okay to ask. 

Summary

Struggling is part of being human, and seeking help isn’t a weakness, it’s a courageous step toward  healing. What’s “normal” includes pain, uncertainty, and even breaking down. But normal can also  mean choosing growth, support, and change. Therapy is not about fixing what’s broken, it’s  about reconnecting to the part of you that’s already whole and helping it lead. 

If you're ready to choose your new normal and pick the “hard” of change over the “hard” of staying  stuck, contact me or Dr. Dan. If we are not the right fit, we’ll gladly help  direct you to someone who might be. You're not alone, and you don't have to figure it out by  yourself.