Therapists answer…

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

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Michael Nwanna
PMHNP-BC,APRN,MSN
Online & In-Person
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
I understand that starting therapy can feel intimidating, but it’s a step toward empowering yourself to achieve a healthier and more fulfilling life. Therapy provides a safe and non-judgmental space to explore your challenges, gain insights, and develop effective coping strategies. You don’t have to face your struggles alone—together, we can create a tailored plan that meets your unique needs and helps you take small, meaningful steps toward healing and growth.
Hello, I'm Michael Nwanna, a compassionate and experienced Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. With over 20 years of experience in both the mental health and medical health care field, I am committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care that empowers you to achieve your wellness goals. With a focus on patient-centered care, I work closely with individuals across the lifespan, addressing a wide range of mental health disorders including Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Mood disorders, PTSD, Schizophrenia, and Substance use. I believe in open communication with patients and their families, ensuring they are informed and comfortable throughout the care process. My aim is to foster a supportive environment that encourages healing and trust. My mission is to provide compassionate, individualized care that empowers each client to achieve mental wellness and personal growth. I am committed to fostering a therapeutic partnership where clients are respected, and supported. Through a holistic approach, I integrate evidence-based practices with empathy and, at times, humor to create a healing environment that nurtures mind, body, and spirit. Treatment philosophy: I believe in compassionate, patient-centered care that meets individual needs. Every patient is unique and deserves personalized attention. My approach includes thorough assessments and open communication with patients and their families. I prioritize building trust, so we can work together towards your health goals. Using evidence-based methods, I provide tailored treatment plans, whether for mental health or physical recovery. I focus on comfort and support during your journey. I am dedicated to your well-being and recovery every step of the way. Specialties: Addiction ADHD Adult Psychiatry Alcohol dependency Anger Management Anxiety Autism Behavioral therapy Bipolar disorders Child Psychiatry Chronic Conditions Circadian rhythm disorders Conditions treated Co-occurring disorders Counseling Depression Detoxification management Eating disorders Emotional trauma Family Counseling Female Psychiatry Geriatric Psychiatry Insomnia Medication administration Men's Issues Mental Health Mood disorders Narcolepsy Nursing Obsessive-Compulsive OCD Opioid addiction Panic attacks Pediatric Psychiatry Personality disorder Phobias Prescription drug misuse Psychiatry Psychotherapy PTSD REM sleep behavior disorder Restless leg syndrome Schizophrenia Sleep disorder Stress Substance Abuse Trauma and PTSD Withdrawal symptoms Treatment approach: Behavior Modification Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) Collaborative Care Team Involvement Compassionate Care for Diverse Populations Crisis Intervention Techniques Data-Driven Clinical Documentation Evidence-Based Medication Management Individualized Treatment Planning Mindfulness & Stress Reduction Strategies Motivational Interviewing Patient Education & Support Psychiatric Assessment & Diagnosis Therapeutic Psychotherapy Approaches Trauma-Focused
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Tolulope Kolawole
Tolulope Kolawole, DNP, PMHNP-BC
Online & In-Person
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Therapy is a safe space where you can explore your feelings without judgment. It’s a collaborative journey where you set the pace. If you're unsure, start with a conversation—it's the first step toward gaining the emotional balance and coping tools you need for a healthier life.
Hello, I'm Tolulope Kolawole, DNP, PMHNP-BC, and I’ve dedicated 19 years to delivering comprehensive mental health care. My passion is to provide holistic, evidence-based treatments for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. I specialize in helping individuals manage conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, depression, mood disorders, and substance abuse. My approach is client-centered, integrating psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and alternative treatments to meet each patient’s unique needs. I believe in clear communication, ensuring patients fully understand their care plan, and I am committed to collaborating with other healthcare professionals for the best possible outcomes. Treatment philosophy: I believe in a holistic, client-centered approach that integrates cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and psychodynamic techniques. My treatment plans are tailored to meet individual needs, promoting emotional regulation, coping skills, and overall mental well-being. I aim to create a therapeutic relationship that encourages healing and empowerment for lasting mental health improvements.
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Edlyne Thelusma
Licensed Counselor
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
It is normal to have some anxiety when choosing to start therapy. There can be anxiety surrounding choosing the right counselor during your therapy journey. It can be help to remember it is normal have some concerns about what to share, what to do and even feel. I often recommend talking to the counselor to see if you are a good fit. Additionally ask questions about their experience, and expertise concerning the topic you wish to cover in session. If you having trouble connecting it is okay to communicate this as it can be a helpful part of treatment.
Edlyne is a Haitian American raised in South Florida who went into the field as a counselor in order to help hurting people feel better and cope with life. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Florida International University and a Master's of Science from Nova Southeastern University. She has over 16 years plus of experience working with children, adults and their families as case manager and as a therapist in the South Florida community. Edlyne specializes in helping people who are experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, break-up/relationship issues, marital problems, life issues, work related stress, anger issues and childhood sexual abuse survivors. Edlyne speaks Haitian-Creole, and some Spanish. Counseling approaches frequently used: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Brief Solution Focused, Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
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Andrea Freeman
LCSW
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
First of all, I would tell them that that I understand. Therapy can be an intimidating notion, especially if you've never tried it before or had negative experiences in the past. It takes a lot of courage and vulnerability to open yourself up to someone you barely know. I would encourage them to do some research if you're not already familiar with different therapy modalities or all the various professional credentials in the field. GoodTherapy.org offers some really succint definitions on their site that can offer some inital insight. As therapists, we tend to lean heavily on acronyms and you're not alone if you don't know what they all mean. As you research, pay attention to what resonates with you. Are you looking for someone to help you challenge negative thoughts? Are you looking for someone to help you express yourself creatively? Do you want someone who will offer you an open space to fill how you choose, or would you rather be led through a step-by-step process? All these questions will help guide you to a practitioner who is most likely to be a good fit for you. After all, it is a good fit with your therapist, and willingness to show up and put in the work, that will ultimately determine whether you meet your goals in therapy. Ask questions, take advantage of those consultation calls, and ultimately trust your gut. If something doesn't feel right to you with a particular therapist or approach, it's okay to put on the breaks and continue your search. You are the only one who can truly know what is right for you.
I am a California virtual therapist specializing in working with individuals ages 10+. My passion is for providing a safe and compassionate space for my clients to unpack their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
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