Due to lack of awareness and persistent stigma, people usually seek therapy when they are facing overwhelming distress and dysregulation. In that state of mind they are already experiencing very high amounts of anxiety, hopelessness, and feelings of vulnerability.
Now, deciding to go to therapy is no easy task. It in itself requires a huge amount of will and courage. It in itself generates a high amounts of angst. When the one seeking therapy is already under a great amount of stress; deciding to go to therapy, finding a therapist, paying the fee, talking about and reliving painful events, and be uncertain whether it would help; adds more stress. And more times than not, the person ends up changing their mind and avoid therapy.
In contrast, when a person is doing well enough; when they are in a reasonably stable headspace; when they are experiencing only low levels of anxiety, are hopeful, and feel reasonably safe; they tend to be better suited for therapy.
Because, the whole process of deciding, finding, and going to therapy is not that stressful. Talking about their experiences and reliving them is not that difficult. They begin to better understand the space they are being given and how to better utilize it. They understand that what they are building through therapy is a permanent resource for future troubles. Their goal also is not to feel good immediately, because they feel good enough. Their goal becomes to feel good and function better in the long-term. Plus they are better inclined to try a few different therapists and see what fits them better. They are less sceptical and more hopeful about therapy. They are less critical and more explorative of themselves and the process.
That's why, in our opinion, the best time to seek therapy is when the person is doing reasonably well and are in a good enough head and heartspace. Because, the process would be easier and not like a burden.
That is not to say that people in an unpleasant headspace shouldn't seek therapy. They should absolutely consider it. It's better late than never. It's just that late would be somewhat harder for them.
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