Is there a huge difference between trying online articles about psychological therapy & treatment and actually going to see a therapist?

I think it’s a bit like reading about the physics of the perfect baseball swing and actually practicing hitting the ball. The textbook will actually be very useful and you’re going to be better off for having read it. That said, reading and participating are two very different activities.

Yes, there is. A very big difference. I went to therapy for many years for the same issues as you. The articles are a good supplement, but on their own, they won’t do a whole lot.

It’s like reading how to bandage a wound that won’t stop bleeding, you need a professional.

It is totally different. An abusive childhood is probably not something that you can heal from on your own. First, talk therapy helped me a lot and then for the final work I used movement therapy. (I was very disconnected from my body).

I think reading is very helpful. Biographies as well as self help. But there is something about opening up to a person and being guided by someone who is aware of the situation and has tools to overcome them is great. Another form of therapy is engaging in art or nature developing yourself and gaining confidence. I found so much solace from so many sources exercise nature music art engaging the senses. The sessions were hard I would leave the therapist with migraines and drive mindlessly fast dazed almost. But the therapist said it was because I pushed myself too hard. I just wanted to make the most of each each session. To get on with my life. A lot of places have payment plans or sliding scales based on income if that is an issue.

I probably had what you could call an abusive childhood. My mother was an alcoholic, had a terminal disease, and told me I was the only reason she didn’t commit suicide, etc., my father was an emotional cripple, and blah blah blah. My earliest memories are wanting to commit suicide, but didn’t know how to do it.

I never went to counseling, but I did take advantage of lots of books, Bible studies, and self help courses. Each one made a huge contribution to my transformation. It IS possible, but it’s not for everyone.

The Baseball analogy is good. You can read all about how to throw a curve, or turn a double play, but you’ll never get it right until you go to a game.