Therapists answer…

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

K
Kyle Freiburger
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
Online & In-Person
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
I completely understand your hesitancy. It is strange opening up to a complete stranger about the most difficult aspects that you are dealing with. I will say that it is a risk to share those intimate details of yourself, but I find that as with most great things in life, counseling takes risk. The reward of better understanding yourself and processing through that difficulty is worth the risk. So if you feel that you need help, please take the risk.
Beginning counseling can be a very different experience. Becoming comfortable enough to discuss personal and difficult topics about your life is not always easy. I understand, as a person who has been in counseling myself, which is why I became a counselor. I know that faith can be an important part of people's walk in life and can integrate concepts of faith into counseling based on each individuals preference. I also realize that others wish to focus just on the therapeutic concepts that will aid their journey. I want to engage with you where you are and process all that is currently occurring in your life. I have found that through my journey of becoming a counselor that I want to help those who have experienced trauma. I also want to help those who struggle with addiction to aid in their changes they are pursuing. I want to be a support to relationships that are experiencing difficulty and are hoping for restoration as well as ending relationships well. The other issues that I can provide service for are anxiety, depression, and general life difficulties. I want to provide a peaceful and engaging experience that will help you on your journey to complete health. No matter what brings you to counseling you will be cared for. Please reach out via email, text, or phone to begin that process for your health.
M
Mckenna Paddock
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Associate
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
I wish I could tell them that they are not alone in that experience. I would also share that therapy doesn’t work for everyone, and you won’t know if it’s right for you until you give it a try. You’re here for a reason, and my role as a therapist is to be here for you. Therapy is not something I do to you—it’s something we create together, grounded in trust, curiosity, and compassion. I meet you where you are, honoring you as the expert of your own life and experiences. Wherever you are on your healing journey, it’s a privilege to witness the complexity and beauty that make you uniquely human.
I’m so glad you’ve found your way here! You can call me Mckenna or Kenna (they/them). I identify as Queer, neurodivergent, a “spoonie”, and was raised on the unceded land of the Duwamish people, now known as Seattle. As an ally to those with marginalized identities, I’m grounded in the belief that our collective liberation is interconnected. I recognize how structural harms shape our experiences and healing journeys, and I’m committed to creating an inclusive, gender-affirming, sex-positive space rooted in Health at Every Size, and beyond. My work blends Liberation Psychology and Feminist Theory, striving to be authentic, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive. I hold a MA from Antioch University Seattle, trained in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy and am currently accepting new clients at Playful Minds Counseling. I have experience providing LGBTQIA2S+ and neurodivergent-affirming care to teens and young adults navigating their sexual orientation and gender exploration, life transitions, family dynamics (particularly for children of immigrants and third culture individuals), disability & chronic illness, trauma/PTSD/C-PTSD, and suicidal ideation. I believe in the healing power of the creative arts and will introduce you to art therapy. Whether or not we incorporate art in our work together, creativity can show up in many ways, and I look forward to exploring that with you.
C
Caroline Pace LMHC, CCATP, ADHD-CCSP
Mental Health Counselor, Psychotherapist
Online & In-Person
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
For people who are hesitant to try therapy, I understand.  It’s difficult to imagine talking with a stranger. However, therapy when it’s authentic can be incredibly beneficial. Therapy is not a place to be judged it’s a place to be you. The benefits of a positive therapeutic experience can last a lifetime.  It can take a couple of sessions before you are comfortable and that’s ok. Continuing to go it alone can be very tiring and discouraging. We are not meant or equipped to handle all that life throws our way on our own. Taking a chance on therapy takes courage. Taking that first step is making the decision to move forward towards hope and change.   
I am a licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. with an authentic, keeping it real attitude and personality. Not your standard type of therapist. These are difficult times we are living in right now. If your feeling overwhelmed, nervous, stressed, lacking confidence, tired or just stuck. You are not alone. Hope is real and change is possible.   Authenticity centered is the focus in my practice. Come just as you are. No judgements, a safe place to express yourself and be heard.   I offer in person and tele-therapy. Insurances are accepted through my digital practice only.Please click on my website link to register and make appointment.
S
Samantha Ruth
Psychologist
Online & In-Person
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Working on yourself is a sign of strength, not weakness. And you get to be in charge. Therapy can be whatever you want it to look like. Your voice matters. 
     Over 27 years of experience working with individuals , famine, groups, and organizations. Samantha is a Psychologist, Speaker, Best Selling Author, and Host of The Be Ruthless Show, a podcast dedicated to Making Noise and Breaking Stigmas.  She helps people around the world turn their pain into their power by guiding them to be their true selves not who they think they need to be, by embracing their differences and recognizing that their perceived weaknesses are their biggest strengths, and by living life on their own terms.  Samantha’s mission is to change the way the world views both grief and mental health, so people can speak about whatever issues they have and get the help they not only need but deserve without fear of judgment, labels, and repercussions  Samantha is the proud founder of Griefhab, a 24/7 community open to anyone who has experienced a loss. After personally living through this, Sam realized just how much support she needed on a daily basis. She vowed to create these services so that others would have more support available in their times of need. In her free time, you can find Sam and her pups, Sassy and Dallas, on one of their outdoor adventures. They never miss an opportunity to explore their beautiful surroundings. Music fuels Sam’s soul, family means everything to her, and honoring her late husband, Jim, and making him proud gives her life daily purpose.
S
Sam Adams
Owner/Counselor

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

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