welcome
If you’re reading this I can already guess a few things about you. You are insightful enough to realize you might need some help. You may not know exactly how to go about getting that help, but you’re brave enough to take that first step and figure out what your options are.
I won’t pretend it’s easy to find the right therapist or that counseling is always going to be a walk in the park. What I can tell you is that no matter what is bothering you, from a sense of feeling stuck or just plain sad, to full blown panic attacks, anxiety, depression, past abuse, or painful relationship issues, it probably won’t get better all by itself. Yes, admitting you have a problem is sometimes scary — it might make it seem more “real.”
But one thing I’ve learned is that ignoring a problem rarely makes it go away, and saying it out loud never hurt anyone — although it does take some courage.
Consider talking to someone with experience that understands how you feel, and has walked beside others with similar struggles. Together you can safely explore why you feel the way you do and find ways you can feel better.
Family and friends are great; supportive family and friends are even better. But people that know you personally can’t always see you and your situation as clearly as a professional can. It’s difficult for them to be as objective and nonjudgmental as you need them to be. A trained professional can bring a fresh perspective to your issues.
Finding the Right Therapist for You
The right therapist will accept you for who you are right now — not who you’re going to be, not how you should be, but how you really are. At the same time, she will also see strengths in you that you are unable to see in yourself — yet. She will encourage you to strive for more, because you deserve everything that life has to offer; you have survived so far — now you are ready to thrive! The right therapist will meet you where you are, and together you can figure out how you got here and where you want to go.
I recommend that individuals follow their instincts to find a clinician with whom they are comfortable. You should never feel judged by your therapist. It is only through a trusting relationship that you will be able to share openly and honestly, allowing you to make meaningful connections that will propel you forward. Interestingly, research indicates that the quality of the client therapist relationship is the most significant factor in predicting positive therapeutic outcomes.
I offer a free consultation so that you can decide if I am the right therapist for you. If I’m not that person, I’ll do my best to connect you with other resources or trusted colleagues that best suit your needs.
Please don’t be concerned about what to say when you contact me — just let me know that you’d like to talk and I’ll get back to you. We’ll figure out the next part together.