Therapists answer…

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

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Cristina Crego
Clinical Psychologist
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
For many people, managing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and times of transition can be overwhelming and impact your quality of life. You might feel physically and emotionally drained and unable to manage daily tasks. I know it can be scary to ask for help but please know that prioritizing your mental health is as important as prioritizing your physical health. You go to the doctor when you are sick or not feeling well. Your mental health should be treated the same. However, you deserve to feel happy, capable, and whole again!
Is managing stress, anxiety, or trauma overwhelming and impacting your quality of life? Do you feel physically and emotionally drained and unable to manage daily tasks? You deserve to feel happy, capable, and whole again! I can help you identify your inner strengths to overcome any emotional and mental health challenges you are experiencing. I have over 12 years of experience providing services to clients with various mental health challenges. I have found that my style and approach are a good fit for a range of individuals. This includes those in late adolescence and adulthood who may be dealing with anxiety, mood, and trauma-related disorders/symptoms as well as individuals facing life stressors and transitions. I work to help my clients navigate these difficulties, identify unique needs, and build skills to unlock their inner and inherent capacity for healing and growth. My approach to therapy varies based on the individual needs of each client I work with. I believe in utilizing a client-centered approach and research-backed treatments that are most effective for your struggles. This approach helps me and the client build a shared understanding of their reality and allows us to work together to chart a path forward.
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Andrea Ancer Leal
Dr. Andrea Ancer Leal, DNP, PMHNP-BC, LMSW
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but it’s an act of courage and self-care. Therapy is a space where you can feel heard and supported without judgment. Together, we’ll navigate your challenges and create practical strategies to help you move forward and thrive.
Hello, I’m Andrea Ancer, DNP, PMHNP, LMSW—a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Social Worker based in Houston, Texas. With a strong educational foundation, including a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Texas Health Science Center and a Master’s in Social Work, I bring a holistic approach to mental health care. Over the years, I’ve gained diverse experience working in various medical and psychiatric settings as a psychotherapist, clinical nurse, and medical social worker. These roles have deepened my commitment to patient-centered care and strengthened my ability to address complex mental health challenges. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, or major life transitions, I offer compassionate support tailored to your unique needs. Recognized with scholarships and awards such as the PARTNERS Scholarship and the Joan and Alexander Stanford Fellowship, I’m passionate about continuing to inspire change in the mental health community. I’m also actively involved with organizations like the National Alliance for Mental Illness, reflecting my dedication to improving mental health awareness and support. I believe in walking alongside my patients on their path to healing, offering a blend of psychotherapy and medication management. Together, we’ll create a supportive environment to foster personal growth, resilience, and lasting wellness. Treatment Philosophy: I believe in a collaborative and client-centered approach to mental health care, combining psychotherapy and medication management to address anxiety, depression, and life transitions. My goal is to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment where you feel empowered to take an active role in your care. Through personalized insights and practical strategies, I help foster personal growth and resilience, guiding you toward meaningful, long-lasting changes in your mental well-being.
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Tara Makhani
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Therapy is uniquely different to the relationships we maintain in our daily lives and I believe that is why it leaves such a lasting impact. In a therapeutic relationship, the focus is on you and only you. There are no opinions or judgment in the room and that is so you, the client, can hopefully feel comfortable enough fully embrace each part of yourself. There are no rights or wrongs or shoulds or shouldn'ts in therapy. There is only a space for you to speak, explore, process, and grow.
Hello! My name is Tara and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I received my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from The University of Southern California (USC) and my Bachelors in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine (UCI). I have worked in a college setting, private practice, residential treatment center for teens, and more unconventionally, in matchmaking and dating apps. Working in settings so vastly different from one another has allowed me to work with many people with various diagnoses and backgrounds. While I have experience working with more severe and acute mental health concerns, due to the virtual nature of my practice at this time, my practice is currently mostly seeing people struggling with romantic, familial, or other relationship concerns, anxiety, pandemic support, interpersonal conflict, self esteem, creatives and professionals, students, and more.      For more information, please contact me for a free consultation. 
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Marissa Skipper
MSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker Intern

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

There could be a variety of reasons why you might be hesitant to start therapy. You might be afraid to feel the emotions that will come up. You might not want to re experience traumatic events in your life or you may just feel shame over the things that you know you need to talk about. But what I want you to know is that there is so much power in bringing those things to light. And my whole job is to walk alongside of you in the process of feeling painful feelings or re experiencing traumatic events, and I can equip you with the tools that you'll need to go through those things. I know it's cliche but the only way through is through, and with hard things in life really there's no easy solution. So, I just, I think that people that go out and seek therapy are so brave, and I know how it feels to sit across from somebody and to share intimate things because I've done it before so I can definitely relate to being in that position. But I would say just find a therapist that you feel comfortable with, and that you feel confident in and that you feel safe with, and that alone is a really great step in the right direction.
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