Therapists answer…

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

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Damaris Gracia
Damaris Gracia LPC
Online & In-Person
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
I wish I could tell you that therapy isn’t about fixing you—it’s about helping you embrace your inner strength and navigate life’s challenges with support and guidance. Taking the first step can feel intimidating, but therapy is a safe, confidential space where you can express yourself freely without fear of judgment. You deserve a life filled with peace and fulfillment, and I’m here to walk alongside you in that journey.
Hello, I’m Damaris Gracia, a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor committed to supporting individuals on their journey to peace and self-discovery. With a Master's in Education Counseling and Guidance and a Bachelor’s in Psychology, I bring both expertise and compassion to every session. At Favorite Self Therapy & Coaching, I offer a safe and confidential space where you can explore your emotions, face your challenges, and uncover the strength within you. I specialize in working with individuals navigating mental health concerns or seeking personal development. My approach is rooted in collaboration and trust. Together, we will evaluate your needs, create meaningful goals, and develop a treatment plan tailored specifically to you. Whether you're working through anxiety, depression, addiction, or simply seeking growth, I am here to guide and support you every step of the way. As a bilingual therapist, I’m proud to offer services in both English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility and understanding for a diverse range of clients. I am also deeply committed to ongoing education and community involvement to continually enhance my ability to serve others. Healing starts with embracing your inner self, and my mission is to help you find harmony within. Let’s work together to create the balanced, fulfilling life you deserve. Treatment Philosophy I believe true healing begins by embracing every part of ourselves with compassion and understanding. My approach is rooted in collaboration, trust, and respect, focusing on your unique needs and goals. I blend person-centered therapy with cognitive-behavioral techniques to help you navigate emotions, overcome challenges, and achieve personal growth. Together, we’ll build a strong therapeutic relationship to foster healing and balance, empowering you to live your most authentic, fulfilling life. Specialties & Conditions Mental Health Depression Anxiety PTSD Addiction Relationship issues Trauma Mood disorders Panic attacks LGBTQIA+ Family Issues Grief Loss Identity Issues Treatment approach Person-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Trauma-Informed Care Eclectic Approach Crisis Intervention Family Systems Therapy Co-occurring Disorders Treatment Mindfulness-Based Techniques Psychoeducational Support Coaching and Guidance Trauma-Focused Gestalt Jungian Codependency Behavioral Motivational Interviewing Internal Family Systems (IFS) Behavior Modification Strength-Based Rational Emotive Behavior (REBT) Positive Psychology Psychoanalytic Solution Focused Brief (SFBT) Insurance Aetna Cigna Blue Cross Blue Shield Oscar Health Anthem UnitedHealthcare Carelon Behavioral Health Quest Behavioral Health Oxford Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
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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.
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Ami Colon
Therapist
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
I would tell them that therapy isn't about harming the client, but about giving them a confidential safe space to say whatever they want without being judged. I would also tell them that therapy is a place for guidance and healing.
Life doesn't have to suck all the time. I'm not saying that therapy can make your life the greatest in the world, but it can help you work through the experiences in your life that are hard to cope with. Sometimes it helps to talk to someone who is not close to the problem and who has no idea who we are so that we can say things that we would not usually say to those closest to us so that we are not judged. I'm here to listen to everything you have to say without judgment and then guide you through finding healthy ways to cope with the difficult experiences in your life while you ease into your recovery journey. I offer active listening without judgment, compassion, empathy, and guidance. I am honest in my treatment but gentle. I offer cognitive behavioral therapy, guidance through radical acceptance, as well as decision making, and difficult life changes. I offer bereavement therapy, and couple's therapy as well as guidance for LGBTQIA youth. My passion comes from a personal place that has been a staple in my professional work as I am eager to guide those who want to move forward with their lives while they are experiencing their healing and recovery journey. I can also be found on https://headway.co/providers/3191 which is where I take Oscar, Oxford, United Healthcare, Cigna, and Aetna.
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Lynanne Romano
Psychologist
Online Therapy
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 I want you to know that therapy is a space for you—without judgment, pressure, or expectation. It’s a place where you can explore your thoughts and emotions at your own pace, with support and guidance tailored to your needs. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin; therapy is about discovery, healing, and growth. Taking the first step can be the hardest part, but you are not alone in this journey, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
With extensive experience and a compassionate approach, I am committed to supporting adults through their mental health journeys. Holding a Psy.D. from Immaculata University since 2016, my dedication to mental wellness spans back to 2007. I specialize in assisting individuals facing challenges such as ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and depression, utilizing evidence-based treatments with a strong emphasis on a person-centered perspective. My goal is to foster a collaborative and supportive environment where clients feel truly understood and empowered. *Specialties •Psychologist *Conditions treated •Anxiety •Depression •ADHD •PTSD •Bipolar disorders •Personality disorders •Anger Management •Behavioural Therapy •Mood disorders •Trauma and PTSD •Behavioral Issues •Chronic Illness •Chronic Pain •Codependency •Coping Skills •Dual Diagnosis •Emotional Disturbance •Grief •Life Transitions •Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum •Relationship Issues •Self Esteem •Sexual Abuse •Stress •Women's Issues •Family Issues •Maternal Mental Health •Men's Issues *Treatment philosophy I use a wide range of approaches to therapy including humanistic, psychodynamic, CBT, and DBT. Clients can expect to take away insight, self-awareness, and skills to improve their mental health. *Practice description Caring Psychological is a teletherapy based practice serving NC, MD, & DE, with a mission to provide compassionate and evidence-based treatments to help clients achieve their goals and improve their mental health and well-being. Caring Psychological offers a nonjudgmental and supportive approach to healing while focusing on the whole person. Caring Psychological appreciates each individual's unique potential while emphasizing growth and self-actualization.
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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. 🌟💛🧳
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Scott Fleming
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern and Certified Pastoral Counselor
In-Person Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Starting therapy can be scary. Know that the first step is often the hardest. Once you enter a therapeutic relationship, you're in a safe and caring space where you will be met without judgment. Take your time in becoming comfortable with a therapist but also know that you get out of therapy what you put into it.
Scott Fleming has nearly twenty years of experience journeying with people who have reached their life’s peaks and those that have encountered their lowest valleys. His experience includes working in acute care hospitals, clinics, church counseling centers, and private practice. In addition, he’s held academic and leadership positions in various settings for his entire career. He is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern and a seasoned Certified Pastoral Counselor. Combining the latest best evidence-based practices, clinical expertise, and other psychological advancements with a personalized approach, he cares for patients experiencing the emotional, spiritual, and psychological toll that comes with a variety of conditions and situations. Scott strives to be person-centered yet solution-focused in his approach. He counsels from a relational counseling model, holding to the core belief that an individual cannot heal or grow outside the context of meaningful relationships. Scott believes each person has a unique and sacred story justifying that treatment plans should be genuinely crafted with the client in mind. He has a gift for creating a safe place for people to process their pain and bond with his clients in meaningful ways. Scott subscribes to an eclectic, integrated approach customized to your unique story incorporating elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Adlerian theory, Narrative techniques, solution-focused results, and existential principles. He seeks to partner with every patient in their healing process - mutually collaborative and committed to the process. Scott considers the counseling relationship to be sacred and not one to be taken lightly. It takes much courage to step into counseling, whether it’s your first time or the first time in a while. In meeting with a new counselor, clients often secretly hope that this relationship works out so they don’t have to start over or walk away from therapy. This truth is something Scott understands and values. Whatever brings you into counseling, Scott aims to cultivate a grace-filled environment where you will be met without judgment. Scott specializes in working with clergy, healthcare professionals, first responders, educators, and military personnel. Issues he treats include Anxiety, Coping Issues, Chronic Illness and Conditions, Depression, Family Conflict, Moral Injury, Compassion Fatigue / Burnout, Peer Relationships, Relationship Issues, Self Esteem, Stress, Caregiver Stress, and vicarious trauma. Whether you’re encountering a bump in the road or a boulder in your path, Scott would be honored to walk with you toward your desired goals.
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