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Therapists answer…

For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?

Amanda RussoA

Amanda Russo

Licensed Professional Counselor
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
For those hesitant to try therapy, I wish to convey that seeking help is a courageous step towards self-improvement and healing. Therapy offers a safe and non-judgmental space to explore emotions, navigate challenges, and develop coping strategies. It's normal to feel apprehensive about opening up to a therapist, but I assure you that I am here to support you every step of the way. My approach is collaborative, focusing on building a trusting therapeutic relationship where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. Therapy is not about judgment or criticism; it's about growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Together, we can work towards overcoming obstacles and achieving a balanced and fulfilling life.
Hi there! My name is Amanda Russo and I’m the clinical director of Balanced Life Solutions. I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC). I’ve lived in the Dallas/Fort Worth area my whole life. I went to The University of Texas in Dallas and obtained a Bachelor’s in Child Learning and Development and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. During undergrad, I entered an internship working with autistic children, which spurred my love for working with the neurodivergent community. I then went on to study at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center where I received a Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling. It was during my time at UTSW that I discovered my passion for neuropsychological and educational assessment where I worked for both the UTSW Psychological Services Department and the Parkland Trauma Unit. After school, I went on to work in several private practices, local community mental health clinics and public schools. In addition to being a counselor, I’m also a certified teacher in elementary education, special education, and school counseling. I’m extremely passionate about advocating for the appropriate educational services for children with special needs. After working for the schools, I did neuroscience research and treatment for divergent social cognition with the University of Texas at Dallas’ Brain Performance Institute. There, I utilized technology to provide treatment in an online interface, focusing on improving childrens’ ability to understand other peoples’ thoughts and implicit social information. Additionally, I gave presentations around the DFW metroplex focusing on how educators and parents could help foster social cognition. I have expertise in neurodivergent diagnoses including autism, ADHD, and learning differences including gifted learners. Additionally, I have a strong passion for working with neurodivergent women and AFAB individuals as they are chronically under- and misdiagnosed due to their presentation of symptoms. When I’m not counseling, I love spending time with my three children. I also enjoy singing, traveling, and reading books, especially on the topics of neuroscience and psychology.
Rita AsiegbunamR

Rita Asiegbunam

Rita Asiegbunam, APRN,PMHNP-BC
Online & In-Person
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Mental health care is about support, understanding, and empowerment. I create a safe, nonjudgmental space where patients can express themselves freely and receive the guidance they need. Healing is a journey, and you don’t have to go through it alone. Taking the first step can be life-changing, and I’m here to walk that path with you.
Hello! I'm Rita Asiegbunam, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a career spanning over 15 years. I focus on delivering exceptional care to mental health patients, veterans, and underserved communities. My professional journey started with an Associate Degree in Nursing and progressed to a Master's in Nursing specializing in Psychiatric Mental Health from Maryville University. I am passionate about providing comprehensive mental health assessments and personalized care. My expertise includes medication management and working closely with an interdisciplinary team to ensure the best possible outcomes for my patients. I have a strong ability to handle high-pressure situations calmly and ethically. I take pride in my organizational skills and excellent communication with patients and healthcare team members. Fluent in English and Igbo, I aim to make every patient feel understood and supported. In my practice, I emphasize patient-centered care and continually strive to enhance the quality of services through collaboration and innovation. I look forward to making a positive impact on the mental well-being of all my patients. Treatment philosophy: My treatment philosophy centers on compassionate, patient-centered care. I strive to foster genuine connections with my patients, understanding their unique journeys and challenges. With over 15 years of experience caring for diverse populations, including veterans and underserved communities, I prioritize personalized assessments and treatment plans. I believe in a holistic approach, addressing both mental health and substance use issues through collaboration with an interdisciplinary team. My goal is to empower patients by providing education and support, guiding them on their path to recovery. Together, we can overcome obstacles and achieve lasting wellness.
Sydney RosenS

Sydney Rosen

PMHNP-BC, APRN, MSN
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Taking the first step toward mental health care can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Seeking help isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about finding the right support to help you feel like your best self. Whether it’s medication, therapy, or a combination of both, we’ll work together at your pace to create a plan that works for you.
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. My goal is to work with you to create a treatment plan that’s as unique as you are— through medication, therapy, or a combination of both. Together, we’ll work toward meaningful progress in your mental health journey—whether it’s ensuring your medications are effective, managing side effects, or simply helping you feel better overall. In addition to treating anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, I also work with a broad range of mental health concerns, including OCD, PTSD, substance use disorders, insomnia, ADHD, eating disorders, and women’s health, especially during pregnancy and postpartum. While medication often plays a significant role in treatment, I embrace a holistic approach when appropriate, incorporating natural methods, vitamin supplementation, and genetic testing to personalize your care and find the best solutions for you. From adjusting medications to providing a space where you feel heard and supported, my ultimate goal is to help you thrive in a way that feels authentic and true to you. Treatment philosophy: I take a personalized approach to medication management, combining evidence-based practices with what matters most to you. I believe in truly understanding you—your concerns, values, and goals—and using that insight as the foundation for your treatment. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach; together, we’ll design a plan that aligns with your lifestyle, whether that’s adjusting medications, managing side effects, or integrating therapy to support your growth. I recognize that mental health can be complex, which is why your voice will always be at the center of our work. We’ll check in regularly, adjust your plan as life evolves, and ensure that your treatment continues to meet your needs.
Jen HyattJ

Jen Hyatt

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Online & In-Person
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
I understand that considering therapy can be a significant decision, and it's completely okay to feel hesitant about it. I want to assure you that the best results in therapy often come when you're truly ready for a pivotal change in your life. Therapy is a journey, and like any journey, it's most fruitful when you're prepared to take those important steps forward. It's about reaching a point where you feel ready to explore, learn, and make meaningful changes in your life. When you're genuinely prepared for this change, you're more likely to engage deeply, set meaningful goals, and invest the effort needed to see the transformation you desire. It's all about being in a place where you're open to the process, and I'm here to support you every step of the way when you're ready. So, take your time, reflect on your needs and goals, and remember that I am here whenever you decide that you're prepared to embark on this transformative journey together. Here are some top things to help ease your concerns and encourage you to consider therapy: 1. Normalize Feelings: It's completely normal to feel apprehensive about starting therapy. Many people do. It's a big step. 2. No Judgment: There's absolutely no judgment here. We all have our struggles, and therapy is a safe space to explore and work through them. 3. Confidentiality: Your privacy is a top priority in therapy. What we discuss here remains strictly confidential. 4. Collaborative Process: Therapy is a collaborative journey. You're in control, and we'll work together to set goals and make progress at your pace. 5. Empowerment: Therapy is a tool to empower you and help you gain insights and skills to navigate life's challenges more effectively. 6. Hope and Change: Many people find therapy to be a catalyst for positive change. It can offer hope, new perspectives, and strategies for a better quality of life. 7. Questions Welcome: Feel free to ask any questions or share any concerns you have about the process. Your comfort and understanding are important. 8. No Commitment Yet: You're not committing to anything by exploring therapy. We can start with an initial session to see if it feels right for you. 9. Personal Growth: Therapy isn't just about addressing problems; it's also a path to personal growth, self-discovery, and living your best life. 10. Take Your Time: Take all the time you need to make this decision. There's no rush, and I'm here whenever you're ready.
Welcome to a journey of self-discovery and transformation! I'm Jen Hyatt, a mental health psychotherapist with an integrative approach, and I'm here to help you navigate the intricate terrain of your inner world. If you find yourself caught in the whirlwind of anxiety, lost in the depths of depression, or simply seeking to level up and live your best life, I'm your fellow traveler on this path. As a therapist, I embrace outside the box thinking and deep introspection. I am also not afraid to venture into the realm of the "woo-woo" and explore the mystical.   I am a knowledge absorber, a lover of learning, and a firm believer in the power of healthy humor to lighten even the darkest of moments. My clients come from all walks of life, and they include deep thinkers, authors, book lovers, practitioners of witchcraft, tarot enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, creatives, and those striving for a more optimal existence. I also connect with tech and sci-fi nerds, Marvel fans, and comic book geeks. I engage with RPG and TTRPG enthusiasts, life lovers, empaths, highly sensitive individuals, military families, seekers of self-actualization, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and neurodivergent individuals.  In essence, I work with authentic and/or aspiring authentic human beings who are doing their best in this complex journey called life. Together, we'll embark on a therapeutic adventure to help you find clarity, resilience, and the tools you need to thrive. Let's embrace your uniqueness and work towards a radiant, more fulfilling future. Whether you're seeking relief from anxiety and depression or aiming to reach new heights in your personal growth, I'm here to support you every step of the way. Let's take this journey together. 🌟💛🧳