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Therapists answer…

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

Gavin ShafronG

Gavin Shafron

Clinical Psychologist
Online & In-Person
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
If a client is new to therapy, I find it most important to ask about their expectations. What do you think therapy will be like? What do you hope it will be like? And further, what concerns do you have about the process? If someone is feeling on the fence about going, I might ask what makes you apprehensive? or even scared about therapy? Oftentimes I’ve found that misconceptions about what therapy is like, or perceptions of stigma for being in therapy can be powerful drivers of apprehension. I work with clients around these preconceptions to allay any fears or concerns you might have through an honest, open, and transparent discussion about what therapy is, and what it isn’t.
Especially for some of the most successful among us, we can hold ourselves to the highest standards of performance in all areas. Sometimes we may feel that we're supposed to have all the answers to the challenges life throws our way, even when that isn’t always possible. For so many, an achievement focus can come at the expense of other areas of our lives. I see therapy as a collaborative experience. I work with my clients to help unlock what holds them back to gain an understanding of how our histories shape our present, while building a foundation of skills in the here-in-now to promote healing and a future that is self-defined. My approach is solution-focused and uses elements of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic Therapy to identify and build on your strengths. As a Substance Abuse Specialist, I help individuals including young adults transform their relationships with substances and behaviors that feel out of control. Therapy should be a process that makes us feel free to be fully ourselves. To heal and enliven us to be authentically, beautifully, and powerfully exactly who we are, unbound by what has in the past, held us back. Let's work together to find strength, meaning, healing, and freedom so you can define your own path. It's time to be free and come alive again. Let’s do it together.
Joshua PettyJ

Joshua Petty

Joshua Petty, PMHNP-BC
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Starting therapy can feel daunting, but it’s a brave step toward understanding yourself and finding balance. I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where you feel valued and empowered. Therapy is about working together to help you build resilience and achieve lasting mental wellness.
Hello, I’m Joshua R. Petty, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a decade of experience in mental health care and an Army veteran. My mission is to help individuals overcome life’s challenges with compassionate, personalized support. Specializing in conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADHD, I take a holistic approach to mental health, ensuring your care is tailored to your unique needs and experiences. I start by conducting thorough evaluations to understand your history, challenges, and goals. Together, we develop a treatment plan that includes evidence-based strategies, medication management, and practical coping techniques. I believe in empowering you with knowledge, helping you make informed decisions about your mental health journey. In my practice, collaboration is key. I work closely with social workers, primary care teams, and other professionals to ensure a well-rounded approach to your care. Whether navigating life’s stresses or managing a crisis, I am here to provide unwavering support. Licensed in nine states, I leverage my diverse experience to respect and honor the cultural and personal factors that shape your mental health. My ultimate goal is to create a safe and supportive space where you feel heard, valued, and empowered to build hope and resilience. Treatment Philosophy: I believe every individual deserves compassionate, patient-centered care tailored to their unique needs and experiences. My approach combines detailed assessments with personalized treatment plans, emphasizing education and empowerment. By providing clear guidance on medication and coping strategies, I aim to foster independence and resilience. Collaboration with diverse healthcare teams ensures comprehensive support. My commitment is to create a safe, supportive environment where you feel valued and heard, guiding you toward lasting mental wellness. Specialties & Conditions: Psychiatry Mental Health Adult Psychiatry Physiatrist Behavioral Medicine Addiction ADHD Anger Management Anxiety Bipolar Depression Eating disorders Geriatric Psychiatry Insomnia Medication Management Obsessive-Compulsive OCD Panic Pediatric Psychiatry Personality disorders PTSD schizophrenia Substance abuse Trauma and PTSD Treatment approach: Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Biofeedback Christian Counseling Coaching Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) Compassion Focused Culturally Sensitive Interpersonal Mindfulness-Based (MBCT) Motivational Interviewing Multicultural Person-Centered Strength-Based Insurance: Aetna Anthem BHS | Behavioral Health Systems Blue Cross Blue Shield Carelon Behavioral Health Cigna Magellan Optum Oscar Health Oxford Quest Behavioral Health UnitedHealthcare
Yvette PayneY

Yvette Payne

Licensed Professional Counselor
Online & In-Person
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
For those hesitant to try therapy, I want to assure you that seeking help is a brave and positive step toward improving your well-being. Therapy is a safe space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It provides an opportunity to gain insights, develop coping strategies, and make meaningful changes in your life. I am here to support you at your own pace and help you overcome any barriers you may face. Remember, taking the first step towards therapy is an investment in yourself and your future.
Welcome to my professional space! I'm Yvette Payne, a passionate and dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Duncanville, Texas. With an active license in Texas since 2019, however, I have over 28 years of experience in the helping field. I bring a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach to therapy. My journey in mental health care is marked by a deep understanding of human behavior and a commitment to helping individuals navigate life's complexities. Whether you're facing personal challenges, dealing with trauma, or seeking support for your family, I am here to offer individualized care and guidance. I specialize in creating tailored treatment plans that address your unique needs, employing proven methods such as cognitive behavior strategies and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to foster healing and growth. My expertise extends to supporting those with complex trauma and I am well-versed in the intricacies of group therapy dynamics. My background includes working with adolescents, adults, and families across various settings—from private practice to program therapy at Metrocare Services. I've also provided vital mental health services at Hickory Trail Hospital and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. Communication is key in my practice. I strive to ensure that you feel heard and understood every step of the way. My goal is to empower you with the tools and insights needed for positive change. Thank you for considering me as your partner on this journey toward wellness. Let's work together to unlock your full potential and embrace a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Eileen WoodsE

Eileen Woods

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Therapy is a safe space to explore your feelings and experiences. It's about building a supportive relationship that respects your strengths and helps you grow. Everyone has the potential to live a full, rich life.
I am dedicated to helping people overcome their struggles and become more connected with themselves and others. I've worked in Human Services since 1995 and have been a Mental Health Therapist since 2002. My training includes many modalities but what I find to be the important is understanding where people are in their lives through actively listening to people's experience, being supportive and identifying what works best for each person. This creates a safe environment where people feel heard, accepted and validated. I utilize a great deal of basic psycho-education, behavioral skill building and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Other training I've had include family/marriage therapy training, EMDR and a host of other evidence based modalities. Additionally, as needed I incorporate indigenous mindfulness practices and Qigong for a wide range of issues. I work from a holistic, person centered position and engage with you to build a collaborative relationship around your strengths and interests. I am able to provide concrete steps forward to improve your mental health and day to day life. Please reach out so we can get started on this journey!
Sharanna JohnsonS

Sharanna Johnson

Sharanna Johnson, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, CNE
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Taking the first step toward therapy is an act of courage. I want you to know that you are not alone, and therapy provides a supportive space to explore your concerns. Together, we can build trust and work collaboratively to help you feel empowered and confident in your journey to healing.
Hello, I’m Dr. Sharanna Johnson, a dual-certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. My passion lies in providing high-quality, patient-centered care to individuals of all backgrounds. I integrate evidence-based practices with a compassionate, holistic approach to address both physical and mental health needs. In my practice, I prioritize building strong therapeutic relationships through active listening, empathy, and open communication. I believe in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can feel empowered to share your concerns openly. By understanding your unique needs, I provide individualized care tailored to your health goals. Education is an integral part of my approach. I take the time to help you understand your diagnosis and treatment options, ensuring you feel informed and in control of your health. My goal is to collaborate with you, fostering a sense of trust and mutual respect as we work together toward achieving optimal health outcomes. Whether it’s managing a mental health condition, addressing immediate health concerns, or supporting you in your long-term health journey, I am committed to delivering the best possible care. I strive to make every interaction meaningful and supportive, empowering you to lead a healthier, more fulfilling life. Treatment Philosophy: I believe in compassionate, patient-centered care that focuses on your unique needs and goals. My approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, ensuring the highest quality of care while prioritizing safety and trust. I create personalized treatment plans that address both physical and mental health, empowering you to take an active role in your wellness journey. Together, we will build a therapeutic relationship based on empathy, respect, and collaboration to help you achieve your best health.
Brad BarningerB

Brad Barninger

Pretty cool Licensed Professional Counselor, ready to support!
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
For those hesitant to try therapy, I want you to know that seeking help is a courageous and positive step towards better mental health. Therapy offers a safe and confidential space to explore your feelings, challenges, and goals with a trained professional who is dedicated to supporting you. It’s not just for those in crisis—everyone can benefit from having someone to talk to and gain new perspectives. Remember, therapy is a collaborative process, tailored to your unique needs, and aims to empower you on your journey to well-being. Taking the first step can lead to meaningful and lasting change in your life.
Welcome! I'm Brad Barninger, a passionate advocate for mental health with over two decades of experience in the healthcare field. My journey has taken me from providing direct care and psychotherapy to spearheading innovative mental health programs. Currently, as the Director of Behavioral Health Services, I am dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disorders through compassionate and effective behavioral interventions. My career has been marked by a commitment to excellence, as evidenced by my role in leading a 38-bed transitional living center and improving patient satisfaction scores as the Senior Director at Wellspan Philhaven. I hold a Master's degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and a Bachelor's in Psychology from Pennsylvania State University. As a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania, I've completed rigorous training to ensure the highest standard of care for my clients. My approach is collaborative, working closely with hospital staff, medical professionals, and community partners to deliver comprehensive mental health services. Whether you're seeking support for yourself or a loved one, I am here to provide expert guidance and unwavering support on your path to well-being.
Rolando LozanoR

Rolando Lozano

Rolando Lozano, LPC, NCC
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Taking the first step toward therapy can be intimidating, but it’s also empowering. Therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your emotions, understand your challenges, and develop tools to navigate life’s obstacles. Together, we can work toward a healthier and happier version of you.
Hi, I’m Rolando Lozano, a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Mine Hill, NJ. With over 5 years of experience in mental health services, I’m passionate about helping individuals and families navigate challenges and find healing. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions through a tailored, compassionate approach. Currently, I serve as a Primary Clinician at Excel Treatment Center, where I conduct comprehensive clinical assessments and lead group therapy sessions. My focus is to ensure that each client receives personalized care that meets their unique needs. In previous roles, I managed admissions and triage programs, ensuring seamless support and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams. I’ve worked extensively with adolescents and adults, empowering them to overcome obstacles and embrace positive change. I earned my Master’s in Counseling from Kean University and a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Pace University. My therapeutic approach incorporates evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I’m committed to providing a safe, supportive space for clients to explore their thoughts and emotions. Whether you’re seeking to overcome trauma or navigate life’s challenges, I’m here to guide you toward a healthier, happier future. Treatment Philosophy: I believe in delivering compassionate, patient-centered care tailored to each client’s unique needs. My treatment philosophy is rooted in understanding the root causes of challenges and addressing them using evidence-based practices like CBT, DBT, and EMDR. By fostering a safe and trusting relationship, I empower clients to explore their emotions, identify strengths, and develop strategies for growth. Together, we’ll work collaboratively to overcome obstacles and achieve lasting change. Specialties & Conditions: • Psychotherapy • Depression • Anxiety • PTSD • Substance Use Disorder • Counseling • Grief and Loss • Emotional Disturbance • Life Coaching • Men's Issues • Relationship Issues Treatment approach: • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) • Mindfulness-Based approaches • Crisis intervention and de-escalation • Individual and group therapy facilitation • Culturally Sensitive • Eclectic • Humanistic • Coaching • Trauma-Focused • Person-Focused Insurance: • Aetna • UnitedHealthcare • Blue Cross Blue Shield • Oscar Health • Optum