Why I Went For Therapy | Clinical Psychologist Janet Phang shares The Truth About Therapy

“I thought I was fine… until I started crying in the middle of a restaurant.” No warning. No crisis. No obvious reason. Just tears - in public - over someone whom I *thought* I had already moved on from. Most people only consider therapy when something breaks ⚠️ But what if that’s already too late? In this episode of The Real Reason, I sit down with clinical psychologist Janet Phang to unpack a truth many high-functioning adults don’t want to hear: 👉 Functioning is not the same as being okay. This conversation isn’t about being “mentally ill.” It’s about the emotional patterns we normalise, suppress, and intellectualise - until our body and brain force us to listen. WHAT WE COVER: • Why waiting for a breakdown is the WORST reason to start therapy • Why therapy often feels worse before it feels better (and why people quit too early) • Whether words like trauma are being overused - and what trauma actually means • How to know if your therapist is the right fit (and when to walk away) If you’ve ever said: - “I’m fine, I just need to push through” - “Other people have it worse” - “I don’t need therapy… yet” This episode is for you 💛 📌 LINKS: - Subscribe: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.reason.pod/ - Connect with Shulin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shulinlee/ - Connect with Dr Janet Phang: https://www.psychologymatters.com.sg/janet-phang/ 🎧 Watch or listen now. DISCLAIMER This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation. EPISODE CHAPTERS (00:00) Trailer & Opening (01:01) Meet Janet Phang (01:43) Why High-Functioning People Are the Last to Seek Therapy (04:18) How Do I Know If I Need Help? (06:27) Therapy Isn’t a Quick Fix (09:51) The Biggest Myths People Believe About Therapy (12:06) How to Tell If Your Therapist Is the Wrong Fit (13:53) Is Therapy Working - or Are You Quitting Too Early? (17:54) Suppressing Your Feelings (22:34) Can You Trust Your Feelings - or Are They Lying to You? (26:37) Saying “I Am Anxious” Shapes Your Identity (28:01) Has “Trauma” Lost Its Meaning? (30:20) Final Takeaways