When we decide to make changes in our lives sometimes the changes are too complex to identify by ourselves. Our thoughts tend to spiral around familiar and incomplete ideas. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with another person forces you to articulate those unrefined concepts. On top of that, talking with someone who does not know you, your family, or your friends leaves little room for assumptions and requires that you explain yourself fully. Therapists use your words and perspective in combination with their own to help you both better understand what changes are helpful and which are harmful.