Welcome to Episode 39 of the Gent’s Talk podcast, where we sat with registered psychotherapist Jhanelle Peters. She has worked in Canada and the United States, connecting with individuals from diverse populations and socioeconomic backgrounds. She helps her clients uncover negative patterns and behaviours that make life challenging. Peters is a mental health clinician who also works closely with professional athletes in the NBA. Our discussion revolved around therapy as a tool for cognitive maintenance and reluctance toward treatment.
Why Therapy?
A therapist helps you unravel the things that do not make sense in your head. “Therapy is like having a messy room and having someone come in and help you clean the room up,” Jhanelle stated. A therapist helps you put things where they should belong, item by item. The goal is to reach a point where you can maintain this hypothetical room independently.
We often consider therapy as a last resort when our lives fall apart. That is where the majority of the stigma lies. Jhanelle explained how to combat the associated negativity; to look at therapy as a means of mental maintenance and prevention. Just like we go to the dentist for routine cleanings to keep our teeth from decaying, we should look at therapy similarly. Viewing therapy as a way to stay ahead of mental deterioration will be best for the stigmatization of therapy. But most importantly, it will be best for us.
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Do You Need Therapy?
Jhanelle Peters has an uncanny knack for turning her brain off. Listen as Jhanelle describes the steps she takes to ensure she doesn’t take work home, which can be incredibly difficult for a therapist. Peters informed us she attends a therapist monthly. “I’m that person still trying to figure things out,” she admitted, “there’s no timeline on what [therapy] is supposed to look like.” She believes everyone can benefit from having a space meant for them—a safe space to help them process and unpack things.
See Also: Gent’s Talk: Ep 38 – JUNO Awards Special Episode
Take Your Time
A psychologist is more likely to focus on cognitive behavioural therapy, while a psychotherapist may focus more on interpersonal relationships. Before Peters left, she gave some pointers for when contemplating going to a therapist:
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- Acknowledge that you need a therapist.
- Search for someone who resonates with you; shopping around is okay.
- Ask for a consultation, and don’t be afraid to say, “I’ve never been to therapy before.”
- It takes time; relationship building is a huge part of therapy.
Please tune into Episode 39 for the entire conversation, as Jhanelle also discusses the importance of work/life balance. Having managed her private practice, Jhanelle knows firsthand that work never finishes. A great takeaway from this episode is that although work never ends, we can. When was the last time you gave yourself a minute?
About Gent’s Talk
Gent’s Talk is available for streaming on Youtube, Spotify, Goodpods, iHeartRadio, Apple and Google Podcasts! Episode 39 of Gent’s Talk is presented by Bulova Canada and supported by Ride Rude. It is filmed at StartWell Studios in Toronto. You can now catch Season 1 on all Air Canada flights! Your continued support throughout this journey is appreciated. Thank you!
