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

I guess I would say don't hesitate. Just go for it, do it. It's so tempting to put it off, but that doesn't really yield any results. So instead I find that most folks generally fall into one of four categories when it comes to that hesitation about seeking services. And the fourth one is kind of a secret, so stay tuned for that one. The first one though, is money. Let's face it, the economy is all kinds of crazy right now, society is all kinds of crazy right now. And money is a real concern for folks. That's why, don't let that be a block for you. If you find a therapist that you feel like you click with, like this is the dork for me, then go for it. Find some time to schedule with them and talk to them. Most therapists want to work with folks, they want to help. So they'll have some wiggle room. Either, y'know, OK you can't afford my sessions every week, so let's do every other week. Or, let's cut the session in half so you can pay me half. They'll find a way, and if they don't? Well then that's a pretty good indication that maybe that's not the therapist for you. So money, while it is a concern for all of us, it should never be a barrier to services. The second thing that tends to hold people back is a fear of being judged. They've gone to family, they've gone to friends, and they've tried to unpack whatever it is that is bothering them, the issues that they're facing. And what they get in response is either a story about them, the family member, and what they've done in the past, which can be helpful sometimes, abstract advice, or worst of all, "you shouldn't feel that way". I hate that phrase. "You shouldn't feel that way". No, you should feel that way. Whatever way you're feeling is perfectly valid! Hungry, angry, lonely, tired, it's all perfectly fine, because you're feeling that way. And it can be hard for family and friends to accept that about us sometimes. It can be hard to see your loved one suffer. And they want to sort of push it away. That's why it's important to go to therapy, because you can find someone who can handle those feelings and still be present with you when you're feeling those feelings and not tell you that you shouldn't but rather tell you, you can, and you should allow yourself to feel that way. Because in therapy, at least the good therapists, you should never feel judged. On the contrary, prized for who you are. That's what I strive for and I think that's what any good decent therapist would strive for. The third reason why people hesitate is because they don't know where to go, how do I find a therapist, what do I look for, what do I do? That's why I like this place so much. Because they offer these videos, they offer this chance for folks to get a feel for a potential therapist. And you're ahead of the curve, for a lot of folks, because you're here, you're listening to this. You're trying to find that good match. And if it isn't me, OK cool, go find someone that is. Because you deserve it. That brings me to my fourth one, the secret one, the one that a lot of folks don't really talk about, at least not openly, and that is, deep down, they don't really think they're worth it. They don't think they're worth therapy. Let me tell ya, whatever part of you it is that's telling you that--they're wrong. You are worth it. You are worth it. Everyone is worth having a good life! Everyone deserves to have a good life. Everyone deserves to be content. Everyone deserves to feel peaceful. And you do too. So whether it's with me or it's with someone else, find that therapist with whom you connect, and don't, don't, hesitate.

For those of you who feel nervous about starting therapy for the first time or maybe in a long time. I want you to know that's completely normal, it's how most of us feel when we are starting therapy. Your therapist that you choose has likely gone to therapy and like I do and there's always that beginning period of just wondering like is this going to be the right fit, and then when I call this person up. Is it gonna feel like we're connecting, like oh comfortable talking to this person about really difficult things. And it's okay if you find that you don't feel that way when you make contact with someone for the first time, or you have that first session. The best way I can encourage you is just to take a little leap. Right. If you start something and then feel like this isn't going to be quite right, I think I need to try again. Whoever you have met with whatever therapists you choose to start with, they will understand they're used to that they get it. Truly. So I think just, just be willing to start and see if you can grow and develop that relationship that connection with that particular therapist, and just know that they're used to hearing all kinds of things I know that I'm used to hearing all kinds of emotions and thoughts and about different kinds of experiences. So there really isn't any shame. You can feel a complete freedom to go into that space and know that it is your space is what you're paying for. That's what you're investing in, and you know just finding a space where you feel like it's not only the right fit, but that you feel supported and validated, is exactly what you deserve to find, so keep on searching until you find the right one, and I can't wait for you to get started, I know that my clients who either haven't been in therapy for a while or never been in therapy before I have a lot of clients who have never been in therapy before, and they wish they had started sooner. So I think. I also want to encourage you that they wish they had started sooner because they're like, oh, okay, this is what it's like. This is what I can get from it so best of luck.