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Therapists answer…

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

Veronica CerdaV

Veronica Cerda

Licensed Professional Counselor
Online & In-Person
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
If you’re hesitant to try therapy, I want you to know that seeking help is not a sign of weakness—it’s an act of strength. You don’t have to face life’s challenges alone, and therapy isn’t about fixing you because you are not broken. It’s a space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. Healing takes time, but every step you take toward understanding yourself is a step toward growth and empowerment. You deserve support, and therapy can be the beginning of a journey toward a happier, healthier you.
I grew up in Dallas and always dreamed of becoming a counselor and creating a practice that helps individuals and couples with concerns and issues that have taken over their happiness. I grew up in a Mexican household where mental health was not believed to be something you sought help for. “You just have to get over it” was what I was told. When I went away to college, my outlook was expanded, and I sought counseling for myself. At that point, I realized the benefits and ultimately, the results of being in therapy. Now as a counselor, I see my clients growing, healing, and overcoming obstacles they feared they would never overcome. It is the most rewarding feeling in the world and now my purpose is to continue this journey to help others. *Treatment philosophy I strive to create a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment for my clients. My goal is to provide a healing space where trust and vulnerability can flourish. During the first session, I focus on understanding my clients by exploring their concerns, past traumas, recent life changes, and current coping strategies. Subsequent sessions are more flexible, centering on present challenges. Over time, I identify behavioral patterns that may contribute to anxiety and depression. With compassion, empathy, and a strengths-based approach, I aim to offer a safe and inclusive space where individuals from all backgrounds can heal, grow, and reach their full potential. *Practice description Love Roots Therapy focuses on the mental health needs of adults, adolescents, and couples. Our practice provides virtual and in person counseling sessions depending on the preference of our clients. Our team is dedicated to helping patients achieve and enhance their psychological and spiritual well-being by using a variety of psychological modalities. Our counselors strive to meet our clients “where they are”. We provide an accepting environment using tools to help reframe and understand unconscious beliefs that keep us from moving forward. Our counselors work collaboratively with individuals to identify their goals, aspirations, and desired outcomes. We support individuals in developing strategies, action plans, and coping mechanisms to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. The counseling process aims to empower individuals, fostering a sense of agency and control over their lives.
Celina EgemasiC

Celina Egemasi

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Open to your mental health needs.
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
If you're unsure about starting therapy, let me assure you: Firstly, it's completely normal to feel a bit nervous about beginning therapy. Taking this step is a brave move, and it's absolutely fine to have some doubts. Remember, seeking help shows strength, not weakness. Therapy is a private, non-judgmental space where you can freely express yourself. It's a safe place to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without worrying about being criticized. A therapist is there to support you, offering advice and tools to help you deal with life's challenges. Therapy isn't about being "broken" or having something fundamentally wrong with you. It's about personal growth, discovering more about yourself, and learning helpful ways to cope. It's an investment in your mental and emotional well-being. Keep in mind, you're not on this journey alone. Many people have found tremendous benefit from therapy, and there's a good chance you will too. Taking this step could lead to a more confident, fulfilled, and balanced life. Ultimately, the decision to start therapy is a very personal one. Trust yourself, and when you're ready, know that there are caring professionals ready to support you on your journey.
I'm Dr. Egemasi, a Dual Board-Certified Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I believe in a dignified, integrative approach to healing. With over a decade of experience, I specialize in treating (but not limited to) Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, and ADHD. My practice is marked by a commitment to individualized care, whether through traditional psychiatric medications or alternative approaches such as natural treatments, supplements, and lifestyle modifications. With a background spanning behavioral health, primary care, urgent care, emergency room, and internal medicine, I bring a comprehensive understanding to my practice. I offer extended office hours during the week, ensuring that I can meet the unique needs of my patients. I have a dedicated team focused on creating innovative, personalized treatment plans for patients of all ages. By working closely with each client, we develop tailored strategies to achieve their mental health goals. Experience the difference of a holistic, integrated, and compassionate approach to mental health care. Choose me, Dr. Egemasi, for a journey towards healing and well-being.
Avani ThakkarA

Avani Thakkar

PMHNP-BC
In-Person Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Therapy is a safe, non-judgmental space where we work together to overcome challenges. It's a collaborative process, and I am here to support and guide you every step of the way to help you live the life you want.
I'm Avani Ketan Thakkar, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. With over 17 years of experience, I have dedicated my career to helping people from diverse backgrounds improve their mental health. I specialize in psychopharmacology and have a deep understanding of mental health medications. My passion lies in providing personalized care to my patients. Whether it's working with someone facing trauma, depression, anxiety, or personality disorders, I focus on creating a trusting relationship to develop effective treatment plans. I also lead mindfulness and meditation sessions. I’ve been teaching for over 20 years. I work closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure the best outcomes for our patients. I also mentor future nurse practitioners and staff, sharing my knowledge and experience to foster a supportive and knowledgeable healthcare community. In addition to my clinical work, I bring a calm and steady presence to challenging situations, ensuring a safe environment for both patients and staff. My commitment to evidence-based care and continuous learning enables me to provide high-quality support to those in need. I hold multiple degrees, including a Master's in Family Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Health Administration, and a Bachelor's in Nursing. My broad educational background and extensive hands-on experience equip me to handle a variety of mental health challenges compassionately and effectively. As a member of several professional nursing associations, I stay updated with the latest practices and standards in mental health care. My dedication to my field has been recognized with numerous awards, and I strive to continue providing top-notch care to my patients everyday.
Hope AchoronyeH

Hope Achoronye

DNP, PMHNP-BC, MSN, BSN
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
If you’re feeling hesitant about trying therapy, I want you to know that it’s completely normal to feel this way. Therapy is a safe space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It’s an opportunity to gain insights into your experiences, develop coping strategies, and work toward healing and growth. Many people find that talking to a trained professional helps them feel understood and less alone in their struggles. Therapy isn’t just for crises; it can also be a valuable tool for personal development, improving relationships, and enhancing overall well-being. I encourage you to view therapy as a collaborative journey. You are in control of the process, and your therapist is there to support you in navigating your unique challenges. Taking that first step can be daunting, but it often leads to positive changes and a deeper understanding of yourself. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and you deserve to find the support you need.
I am a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a doctorate in nursing. My passion lies in providing top-quality care to patients in both acute and primary settings. I focus on ensuring positive patient outcomes and enjoy building strong, productive relationships with those I serve. Over the years, I have honed my skills in treating patients and developing healthcare teams. I am a proud member of the American Nurses Association and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses, DMV Chapter. I also have a keen interest in evidence-based research and quality improvement projects. Outside of work, I love cooking, traveling, and attending educational and Christian conferences. My mission is to offer compassionate, effective care to every patient I meet.
Patrick NgangaP

Patrick Nganga

Patrick Nganga, PMHNP-BC, ACNP-BC
Online Therapy
For people that are hesitant to try therapy, what do you wish you could tell them?
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but it’s a safe space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. My goal is to provide compassionate support, helping you navigate challenges at your own pace, always focusing on your well-being.
As a dedicated healthcare provider with years of experience, I focus on delivering compassionate and comprehensive care to my patients. My journey in healthcare began as an ICU nurse, where I honed my skills in patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Over the years, I have collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure the best outcomes for every patient. I have had the privilege of teaching the next generation of nurses as an adjunct faculty member at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland School of Nursing. My role involved mentoring nurse practitioner students and guiding registered nurse students through their critical care rotations. I hold multiple certifications, including Acute Care, Psychiatry, and Mental Health, and I am licensed as a Nurse Practitioner in the State of Maryland and Washington DC. Staying up-to-date with the latest in medical research and practice, I actively participate in professional organizations such as the Society of Critical Care Medicine and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. My approach to healthcare is holistic, focusing not just on the physical but also the mental well-being of my patients. I am committed to providing personalized care, clear communication, and support to both patients and their families throughout their healthcare journey. Specialties & Conditions: • Mental Health • Psychiatry • Internal Medicine • Anxiety • Bipolar disorders • Depression • Addiction • ADHD • Alcohol Use • Borderline Personality (BPD) • Chronic Illness • Dissociative Disorders (DID) • Eating disorders • Geriatric and Seniors • Impulse Control Disorders • Medication Management • Mood Disorders • Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) • Personality Disorders • Psychosis • PTSD • Schizophrenia • Sleep or Insomnia • Substance Use • Thinking Disorders • Trauma and PTSD Treatment philosophy: We believe patients have the right to actively participate in decisions regarding their care. Our goal is to conduct thorough evaluations to fully understand the challenges our patients face. This enables us to accurately diagnose and provide evidence-based treatments. By prioritizing patient-centered care and fostering shared decision-making, we aim to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients. Treatment approach: • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) • Culturally Sensitive • Humanistic • Interpersonal • Motivational Interviewing • Person-Focused • Psychotherapy • Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)