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Therapists answer…

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

Nikki SchusterN

Nikki Schuster

Mental Health Therapist, LSW
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, I wish I could tell them that the only way to see change in any given situation is to try something you have never done before. There are all kinds of different therapists and modalities out there and your sessions can look however you want them to. Therapists are not just, "listening to you complain because they are paid to," but rather, we care deeply about you as an individual and want to see you succeed in living the best life you can. Therapy can be very intimidating and it isn't always fun, but it can make a big difference if you open yourself up to the possibility. Therapy is not a "one size fits all" cure, but if you are willing to put in the work, it can be an extra tool in your toolbox. Even if therapy doesn't show you the progress you want, at least you would be able to look back a year from now and know that you tried.
Hello! My name is Nikki Schuster, and I am a Licensed Social Worker providing Telehealth therapy services to private pay clients located in Colorado. I have a Master's of Social Work degree from MSU Denver, and I am passionate about meeting my clients where they are at, highlighting their strengths, and collaborating to achieve any goals they may have. I utilized a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, based on each individual client's goals and needs. I specialize in family conflict, anxiety, and grief, and can also assist with depression, addiction, trauma, and chronic illness. I provide both individual ($110 per session) and couples ($125) therapy, and having a sliding scale available for those who need it. I am a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and a woman with a disability, and I pride myself on being a safe space for other marginalized individuals. Outside of work, I love to travel and create art.
Paige AvellarP

Paige Avellar

LMHC
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
I know that choosing to start therapy can be a very intimidating decision. I want my clients to know that all of your truths, the good the bad and the ugly, are safe with me. Take the leap! I will catch you!
Hey there! My name is Paige Avellar and I am Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. I started my mental/behavioral health career in California as a Youth Care Professional working with at risk teens in the group home system. I was also volunteering as a Trauma Response Advocate for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence at the time. When I moved to San Diego, CA, I began working with children on the spectrum as a Registered Behavior Technician. During my time in Florida, I have worked with private practices that help clients manage anxiety, depression, and other common mental health symptoms. I have also worked with clients who struggle with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health problems. Just call me a jack of all trades! I’ll take a quick moment to be vulnerable and let you know that I am also a human that has a history of complex trauma! I’ve been through the healing process and I know how HARD it is to unlearn all of the intrusive thoughts and unhelpful behaviors that you’ve learned as a result of your trauma. I also know that the therapeutic process is not linear, so don’t worry; we’ll take our time and figure it out together. I practice from a Cognitive Behavioral perspective, which basically means I help you identify your problematic thoughts and how they affect your emotions and behaviors. Then we figure out how to challenge your problematic thoughts and replace them with healthier thoughts that lead to healthier feelings and behaviors! I totally understand that counseling can be intimidating; please know that my ultimate goal as a counselor is to encourage the people that I work with to wake up and choose to be their best and brightest selves every day! If you are interested in taking back your power over your mental health struggles and choosing joy every day, I would love to be the one to help you! Please feel free to contact me by phone at 904-372-3637 or by email at [email protected]. **Please note that I am only meeting with clients via phone or Zoom at this time.
Dr. Grisel Lopez-Escobar, PhD, LMHC, NCCD

Dr. Grisel Lopez-Escobar, PhD, LMHC, NCC

Dr. Grisel Psychotherapy
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Maybe this is your first time considering therapy, and you're wondering how it would all work. I mean, there's probably been a lot of things that you've been keeping pretty close to your chest, and the idea of discussing them with a therapist might be... kind of weird. Although you know that theoretically therapy should be helpful, getting THAT real, THAT vulnerable, might seem not even icky, but also pretty scary, if not downright impossible. I get it. The good news is that you'll remain in charge throughout the whole process. You're in charge of what you share and you're in control of the stuff we work on together. It's a judgement-free zone where you can freely discuss what's going on for you and find practical ways forward. How's that sound?
I'm a mix of all sorts of cultural influences - hence my fascination with languages and helping my clients adapt to change. My mother tongue is English, but I also grew up speaking Spanish, with my years in Buenos Aires leaving me with an unmistakably Argentinian accent (which other Spanish- speakers tend to sometimes 'lovingly mock'). My European side is thanks to over 30 years spent living and working in France, where I picked up not only an incurable love for lavender crème brûlée and other deliciously fattening foods, but the ability to provide therapy in fluent French. All in all, this means that immigrants, foreigners, expats; you're my people!
Seyi AlukoS

Seyi Aluko

PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Seeking mental health support is a courageous step toward healing. Therapy is not about being "broken"—it’s about gaining tools to navigate life’s challenges. I tailor treatment to each person’s unique needs, ensuring a compassionate and non-judgmental approach. Everyone deserves to be heard and supported, and I am here to help individuals regain stability and improve their quality of life.
Hello! I'm Seyi Aluko, a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. With a rich background in psychiatric care, I am committed to helping individuals and families across all stages of life. I specialize in providing personalized and effective mental health treatments for a variety of mood, thought, and developmental disorders. I have worked extensively in outpatient care, focusing on thorough psychiatric assessments and crafting personalized treatment plans. My approach combines medication management with psychotherapy, ensuring holistic and sustained mental health improvements. Throughout my career, I've actively collaborated with healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive care to adults and children dealing with mental health and substance abuse challenges. I’m committed to fostering recovery and improving patient outcomes through compassionate care and evidence-based practices. When I’m not at work, you might find me playing chess or enjoying a long-distance run. I am here to support you on your mental health journey with dedication and care. Treatment philosophy At the heart of my practice is a commitment to holistic, patient-centered care. I believe in treating individuals, not just their symptoms. Every patient deserves to be heard, understood, and actively involved in their treatment journey. I use a blend of therapy techniques, like DBT and CBT, to empower clients facing mental health and substance use challenges. Collaboration is key; I work closely with a caring team to tailor treatment plans that promote recovery and well-being. My aim is to help individuals regain stability, improve their lives, and feel supported every step of the way. Together, we will navigate the path to better mental health.
Jan GriffithJ

Jan Griffith

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
That therapy isn't magic nor are there any wrong ways to do it. Therapy is a place to figure it out, make some plans, and find some confidence and peace.
UPDATE: not currently accepting insurance, out of network only, but lets check your out-0f-network benefits and see whats up So, you're considering therapy? I get it, things are crazy and it feels like we are living in a really bad late-night movie, complete with sad and pathetic villains. I don't have any magic over here, but I do have a place where we can hopefully get you to a place that looks more like where you want to be. I have an eclectic approach, which is a fancy way of saying that I don't rely on any one way of getting to where you want to be. But my starting point is always from a place of your strengths, the things you are already doing well; you are not your symptoms. I trend toward elements from Acceptance and Commitment, Narrative, Positive Psychology, Existentialism, Brief Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered, Behavioral Activation, and Mindfulness. I am progressive in my politics, a non-believer, and I welcome cursing as a means of expression. I believe that humor can get us through a lot of things. I mention this only because I have often had difficulty finding my own therapists that didn't wince when I said fuck or want to steer me in a spiritual direction. I am LGBTQ+ and BIPOC affirming and welcome folks from all backgrounds and ethnicities.