Psychologists, Counsellors & Mental Health Professionals Are a Waste of Time & Money
You can work everything out yourself.
Triggered? Good
Stay with me—I’m would never dismiss the life-changing work that mental health professionals, counsellors, or coaches do. The headline is designed to challenge the way we think about seeking professional help in other areas of life, like finances.
When people struggle emotionally, society encourages them to see a mental health professional, like a psychologist or counsellor. The same goes for physical health: if someone is dealing with weight issues, most would advise seeking the expertise of a personal trainer or dietitian. Yet when it comes to financial struggles, why do we so often hear, “Just figure it out yourself”?
This dismissive advice shows up all too frequently in financial matters:
- “Read a book.”
- “Watch a YouTube video.”
- “Listen to a podcast.”
- “Financial planners just want to take your money!”
This double standard is baffling and, frankly, unfair. The reality is, people don’t often question investing in mental health or physical well-being, but paying for financial guidance? Somehow, that’s seen as optional or even unnecessary.
Why Financial Guidance Should Be Treated Like Any Other Professional Help
Financial planners and coaches aren’t just for the wealthy or those who lack financial knowledge. They can offer the guidance, structure, and accountability many people need to navigate an increasingly complex financial world. If you’re struggling with your finances, an experienced financial professional could make a tremendous difference.
Let’s Break Down This Dismissive Logic
There’s a common refrain that suggests people who need financial help should “just read a book” or “watch a few videos.” That advice is akin to telling someone with a broken leg to “just look up some stretches on YouTube.” Sure, there are excellent resources out there, and for some, self-education may be enough. But for others—especially those with complex or longstanding financial issues—investing in professional advice can be life-changing.
The shame and stigma around seeking financial advice is a real problem. If it’s okay to seek professional support for mental health, physical fitness, or career growth, why should finances be different? Investing in a financial planner or advisor isn’t admitting defeat; it’s empowering yourself to create a better life.
A Holistic Approach to Personal Investment: Why Paying for Help Is Not an Expense
Seeking professional help in any domain—mental, physical, or financial—isn’t simply a cost; it’s an investment in yourself. Let’s compare:
1. Mental Health Support When struggling with mental health, one might seek out a therapist or counsellor. Their support can help in processing emotions, developing healthier coping mechanisms, and building resilience.
2. Physical Health Support: Struggling with weight or physical health? Many turn to personal trainers, dietitians, or health coaches. Their expertise helps create sustainable habits, improve overall wellness, and boost quality of life.
3. Financial Support: Financial planning and coaching work the same way. Struggling with money? A financial planner can help set clear goals, design a personalised plan, manage risks, and guide you through investments, taxes, and long-term savings.
In all these scenarios, paying for help provides tools and strategies that extend far beyond the immediate “cost” of the service. The return on investment often becomes exponential.
The Emotional ROI of Financial Advice
The benefits of financial planning aren’t limited to money. A sound financial plan can reduce stress, increase your sense of security, and free up mental energy to focus on other priorities. Studies show that financial stress is one of the most common sources of stress, impacting mental and physical well-being, relationships, and work performance. So, investing in financial planning is also an investment in peace of mind and overall health.
The Logic of ROI in Financial Guidance
Imagine you pay a financial planner to help optimise your finances. They might help you avoid tax penalties, set up better savings strategies, or identify investment opportunities you wouldn’t have discovered alone. Yes, there is an initial outlay of money, but the value of professional guidance often leads to gains that far exceed the upfront cost. A well-devised financial strategy can yield returns not only in dollars but also in confidence, security, and freedom from financial worry.
Overcoming the Stigma: It’s Time to Normalise Seeking Financial Help
The stigma around financial help is a cultural barrier that prevents many people from making positive changes. If we’ve normalised the idea that it’s okay to invest in your well-being, we need to extend that mindset to financial health.
No one questions people spending money on therapy, personal training, or academic tutoring. We value that kind of help because it supports personal growth. Financial advice should be no different; it’s part of holistic self-care.
Final Thoughts: Invest in Yourself for a Better Future
If this post has stirred up emotions, I encourage you to reflect on why that might be. For those who already understand the value of seeking professional help in all areas of life, it may resonate immediately. For others, the idea of paying for financial advice might feel unnecessary or out of reach. But consider this: just like with mental and physical health, investing in financial guidance has the potential to bring about profound, lasting changes.
If you’re tired of struggling financially, paying for help is not an expense. It’s an investment in your future. When managed properly, it can yield exponential returns—financially, mentally, and emotionally.
Let get started if you’d like to chat more about taking that first step towards financial well-being.
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P.S.: If the headline stirred up something personal for you, I’m genuinely sorry. It was meant to make a point about the double standard in how we view professional help. Remember, you’re not alone—whether you need support for mental health, physical wellness, or financial guidance, there are amazing professionals out there who can help you, just as they’ve helped me.*
