Therapists answer…

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

Austin Rodriguez

Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate

Online TherapyAccepting New Clients

Good news: I accept most major insurance, including Molina Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, Regence, Premera, Aetna, Cigna, Evernorth, and Kaiser. You deserve a therapist who truly understands. As a gay mental health professional and LGBTQ+ ally, I see how identity shapes mental health. I honor your cultural, racial, and gender identity, welcoming all backgrounds. Whether navigating anxiety, OCD, self-esteem struggles, bipolar disorder, relationships, family conflict, grief, trauma, PTSD, or non-traditional relationships, I'm here for you. I create a warm, judgment-free space to process life's challenges and build meaningful growth. My approach combines genuine warmth with effective therapeutic methods. I meet you where you are today, not where you or others expect you to be. Together, we'll discover what's serving you, what's holding you back, and what transformation looks like for you. Expect real conversations, actionable strategies, and your own sacred space. Taking this step shows incredible courage, and I'm honored you're considering this journey with me. Whether you're working through challenges or ready to flourish, I'm here to walk alongside you. Let's talk about how we can create meaningful change together. I'd love to hear from you. Reach out for a consultation today.

View Profile (206) 636-1067

Tara Thompson

Online TherapyAccepting New Clients

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois. I completed my Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) in Rehabilitation Services in 2006 and went on to earn my Master of Science degree (M.S.) in Rehabilitation Counseling in 2015 from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. I started providing online therapy 4 years ago but I have been in the counseling field for 19 years. My professional background includes working with a wide variety of clients from children to older adults and couples. I am passionate about all matters pertaining to mental and emotional health and well-being. I enjoy helping my clients to be able to identify their own strengths and to start believing in their capabilities to achieve their goals and realize their dreams. I feel that, often, the necessary ingredient for this to happen is simply having someone believe in you and to walk side-by-side in the journey. I provide online therapy services using secure video teleconferencing for the comfort, convenience, added privacy and safety of my clients. When not working, I enjoy spending time with my friends, family and my pets. I enjoy traveling and going to the gym

View Profile (618) 731-5264

Emily Lewis

Emily M. Lewis Counseling

Online & In-Person

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

It's okay if the process seems daunting. It usually is. It's not the sign you are looking for that this isn't the right move. Sometimes the greatest gifts we can give ourselves is to lean into discomforts and pursue a more effective route. If you're exploring counseling, that usually tells me that what you've been doing up until this point isn't serving you as well as it's felt like it has in the past. Change is usually hard and uncomfortable. Initiating change can be intimidating. Growing into a space you want to be able to get to is life changing and oh so rewarding. It will be hard work--I can 100% guarantee that. And it will be meaningful and worth the effort for us to take the time to learn how to value and prioritize yourself together.

Hi! My name is Emily! I am a LPC in the state of Texas and LCPC in the state of Maryland. I offer Virtual/In-Person (Fort Worth) appointments in TX and virtual ONLY in MD. I work particularly with both males and females who are struggling with Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorders, varieties of grief, and anxiety. I believe that strength and encouragement can be found in having someone process our challenges with us. I strive to create a safe space where you can learn from current thinking patterns, explore new coping skills, and grow in more effective behaviors and thought processes. Often we underestimate the impact of having someone share space with us in some of our darkest moments. I would be honored to make space with you.

View Profile (682) 334-3796

KaRon Spriggs-Bethea

Online & In-Person

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

There are a lot of people that are hesitant to try therapy. One thing that I would tell them is that it is okay to ask for help. We all need help some time and we are here to help. I would also encourage them to speak with others that have gone to therapy.

Hello! My name is KaRon Spriggs-Bethea. I am a licensed clinical social worker. I have been practicing for about 5 years. I have a very eclectic background in the field which has made it enjoyable to help many different people. I work with individuals and couples. The services I provide are: anxiety/depression, gender identity and sexuality, and substance use/addiction. I am patient, empathetic and easy to talk to. I like to create a supportive and nurturing environment to help clients feel comfortable while working with me. Building trusting relationships and witnessing breakthroughs is something that makes this work very rewarding.

View Profile (412) 580-9549

Lauren Kleinow

Clinical Social Worker/ Therapist

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

It’s worth a try! Most people think about therapy for a LONG time before their first appointment, and that’s okay. You’ll get there when the time is right for you.

You’re overwhelmed by being everything to everyone. While everyone else sleeps, your mind races with worst case scenarios as you dissect a minor experience from earlier in the day. It’s hard making decisions about even the simplest things. Life just isn’t as much fun as you want. You’ve tried talking to your friends about this stuff, but it never seems to help or change anything. Stacks of self help books go unread on your nightstand and following lifestyle influencers makes your self esteem plummet. Life is hard and it doesn’t come with an instruction manual. You deserve to be truly seen and heard without judgement. Your own answers live within you, and when you reach out for support, I’ll help you find them.

View Profile (248) 231-4538

Elena Conte

Psychotherapist, LCSW

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

It's normal to be nervous about trying something new. How could someone not be nervous about talking to a stranger and telling them your whole life story? I wish I could tell people to give it an honest shot. Find a therapist you feel comfortable with, which may take many tries. Spend time with each therapist you try, at least 3-4 sessions to assess your comfort level. Yes, this is definitely a lot of work. However, the work that therapy entails allows you to change your life.

Elena Conte is a clinical psychotherapist who treats depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders. She also has experience working collaboratively with clients navigating relationship issues within couples and families. Elena uses a gentle, holistic approach to assess client concerns and inspire them to reach their highest potential.

View Profile (908) 791-5586

Haley Myers

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

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

View Profile (916) 538-9953

Gabby Jimmerson

Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

Online & In-Person

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

Oh man, there's a powerful message out there that says couple's therapy is for people who are on the verge of divorce or for couple's who hate each other or for people who are really "sick". While partners facing those challenges will certainly benefit from therapy, I believe every couple can use some extra support from time to time. Therapy can be used for life transitions like the last kid moving away or buying a new house. It might be helpful for couples to re-learn how to communicate well or for those who wish to reignite true intimacy. In short, I would love to tell people who are hesitant about couple's therapy to trust themselves. You're looking for it for a reason, and that's really brave, so trust yourself. Just take the next step to get started...it might not be easy, but it'll be worth it.

My training in couples work and trauma means I have the expertise you need and deserve when seeking therapy. But at the end of the day, you want to know you’re working with someone who “gets” what it means to be a real-life human struggling with all the demands of life right? I get it because I’m an actual wife, mom, entrepreneur, and daughter of a Law Enforcement Officer. I know that balancing family and marriage while trying to maintain sanity and a career is the opposite of easy. I also firmly believe in the healing power of humor and story-telling. So you won’t get a stuffy, intellectual in a suit when you work with me….you’ll get a real person.

View Profile (657) 204-5188

Maura Lerner

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

I know that the idea of trying therapy is scary and I relate. The most relieving part of therapy, as a client myself, has been knowing that I am not alone. I thought no one would be able to relate to my thoughts or situations. Mostly, I was scared to be judged. I have been fortunate enough to have experienced the opposite. When I finally opened up, I felt the weight of the world lift off my shoulders. I want to be able to provide the same relief to others.

Hello and welcome to this amazing journey! I know that change be scary: It is also empowering and freeing. I am intentional about working on myself and taking care of myself so that I can best help others. I absolutely love what I do. I specialize in working with adults struggling with ADHD, OCD, anxiety, panic, difficult life transitions, self-esteem, and relationship issues.

View Profile (443) 891-3676

Alyssa Biestek, LMFT

Child & Adolescent Therapist

In-Person Therapy

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

Initiating services can be difficult, and I am here for you. Therapy is not a one size fits all service, so I encourage you to get to know me to gauge if I'd be a good fit for you. My personal belief is that the therapeutic relationship is the catalyst for change and growth. This means I get to know you, and not just you and the issues you are struggling with, but you as a person. I look forward to building a working relationship based on genuine care and support.

Hi there! Taking the first step to find extra support can be difficult, so I want to welcome you to my page and say I'm glad you're here. I'd love to answer any questions you have about my therapeutic orientation, trainings, or general inquiries about Thrive Therapy.

View Profile (281) 595-8893