Therapists answer…

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

J
Jennifer Livingstone
LCSW, LCAS, LISW-CP, CTTS
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Its very normal to have hesitancy about starting therapy. There are still a lot of myths about therapy, and it can take time to find the right therapist. Ask questions to find out what a potential therapist's style is, what a first session is like, and their approach to therapy. You are in control, and have the right to end therapy at any time. It is also important to share this hesitancy with your therapist, so they can help you explore any lingering concerns. The therapist who is right for you will welcome your questions and concerns.
I have 13 years clinical experience working with many issues including depression, anxiety disorders, trauma and PTSD, grief and loss, relationship issues, substance use issues, and many others. I welcome individuals of all identities to my practice, and provide a non-judgmental atmosphere. I work authentically with my clients which means I am compassionate, direct, humorous, curious, and open-minded. I specialize in helping people quit smoking, helping support families who are affected y a loved ones' use of substances, and helping people who are experiencing some form of workplace abuse. I help clients develop a plan to move closer to the kind of life that matters most to them. I welcome your questions, and hope to be of service! I accept the following insurance plans in NC & SC: Aetna, Allied Benefit Systems, All Savers, Bind, GEHA-UHSS, Harvard Pilgrim, Health Plans, Inc, Meritain, Nippon, Optum, Oscar, Oxford, UHC Student Resources, UMR, United Healthcare, United Healthcare Shared Services. I also accept BCBS in NC.
D
Dr. Jennifer Okwerekwu, MD, M.S., Psychiatrist
Reproductive Psychiatry & Integrative Women's Mental Health Practitioner
Online & In-Person
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
For those who are hesitant to try therapy, I would encourage you to consider how it can empower you to engage in introspection, appreciate the beauty of life's complexity, transition from survival mode to thriving intentionally, process identity, future, and past questions, and invest in yourself as you do in others.
With 8 years of experience as an adult psychiatrist and Board Certification, I specialize in Reproductive Psychiatry and Integrative Women's Mental Health. As a Harvard-trained physician with a Master of Science in Narrative Medicine from Columbia University, I've had the privilege of delivering lectures for prestigious organizations like The American Psychiatric Association. My primary aim is to empower you to thrive, moving beyond mere day-to-day management. I am deeply committed to equipping you with the knowledge you need to make well-informed choices regarding your health. Within a female-centered approach, I provide medication management and psychotherapy, prioritizing your well-being at the core of our work together. I firmly believe that women deserve exceptional support and care from the onset of menses through menopause. Our collaboration is based on a partnership, and I am dedicated to ensuring you feel genuinely acknowledged, supported, and heard throughout your journey. Additionally, I am deeply passionate about social justice and the exploration of racial and maternal healthcare issues. A significant portion of my practice is devoted to assisting women of color in navigating the unique challenges they face while seeking top-quality, culturally sensitive medical care. As a reproductive psychiatrist, I possess extensive expertise and training to guide you through hormonally-driven life transitions with evidence-based care. My knowledge of integrative and holistic healthcare enables me to craft tailored treatment plans aimed at enhancing your overall well-being. My work has been prominently featured across a variety of platforms and publications, including renowned outlets such as CNN and the Journal of the American Medical Association. Your health and well-being are at the heart of everything I do, and I look forward to supporting you on your journey to better mental health and overall wellness.
A
Amanda Trost
Licensed Professional Counselor
Online & In-Person
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
It's normal to feel anxious or hesitant. We come to therapy to share and explore things that are causing us distress. It isn't easy to reach out or to start counseling, and it often triggers feelings that can be overwhelming or make us feel vulnerable. But it's often the firs step in healing. One thing to remember is that you're in control. While the issues that bring you to therapy may be very difficult to discuss, our conversations should leave you feeling respected and be comfortable enough for you to be yourself. It's important to tackle things at a speed and direction that feels right for you and you have the right to wait until you're ready to bring up different topics. It often helps to know what to expect. Our first session will include a little more information on the counseling process, making sure to address any questions you might have. This is also a time to discuss your goals for therapy, look at ways we might work together to reach those goals, and make to sure you feel comfortable and that we are a good fit to work together.
Now scheduling in person and telehealth sessions. Help is available for symptoms of anxiety and depression, working through past trauma, managing perfectionism, improving communication with others, relationship concerns, navigating workplace dynamics and more. We specialize in complex trauma/CPTSD.
K
Kirsten Ramey
Doctoral Level Licensed Professional Counselor

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

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