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

Therapy isn’t about being “broken,” dramatic, or in crisis. It’s simply a place where you don’t have to carry everything alone. You don’t have to perform. You don’t have to be the strong one. You don’t have to have the right words. You just get to show up as you are, even if that’s unsure, overwhelmed, or skeptical. Most people don’t start therapy because they’re confident. They start because something in their life feels heavy, confusing, or stuck, and they’re tired of trying to figure it out by themselves. That’s not weakness. That’s wisdom. Therapy isn’t a lifetime commitment. It’s a conversation. A place to sort through your thoughts with someone who isn’t judging you, isn’t involved in your daily life, and isn’t expecting anything from you. You set the pace. You decide what feels safe. You choose the goals. A good therapist will meet you exactly where you are, not where you think you “should” be. Give yourself permission to try one session. Not a whole treatment plan. Not a long-term commitment. Just one hour. One conversation. One moment where you let yourself be supported instead of carrying everything alone. You might be surprised by how relieving it feels to have someone in your corner, helping you make sense of things you’ve been navigating silently for a long time. You don’t have to be ready for therapy. You just have to be willing to see what it’s like. That’s enough.

Hello, l'm Lori Gephart, a Licensed Psychologist in Pennsylvania with 36 years of experience providing therapy for adults. My focus is on helping individuals across the state of Pennsylvania navigate anxiety, stress, family conflicts, grief, insomnia, and trauma to discover peace and joy. I customize treatment plans to fit each client's unique needs, often addressing past trauma, anxiety, depression, and negative thoughts. I provide a safe environment and tools for healing, aiming to help clients achieve their desired life. Using an eclectic mix of therapeutic techniques, I guide clients from their first session towards personal growth and a balanced life. I am accepting new clients and I have evening and weekend appointments available.

I'm just like you in many ways, and us thearapists are nowhere near perfect. I don't know what I'm eating for dinner tonight either. I know it's hard to ask for help, especially if that was discouraged when you were growing up, but it's okay to admit you can't figure everything out by yourself. It's exhausting always having to be the one to save yourself. You deserve the support you give to everyone else.

Hi, I'm Aliyah! I am a blunt, compassionate therapist that works with kids, teens, and adults when life feels like it's been flipped upside down. I specialize in Play Therapy, and also draw from CBT, DBT, and Somatic approaches to get you reconnected to your body and mind. My clients often struggle with Depression, Anxiety, Behavioral Issues, Relationship Issues, Self-Esteem Issues, or simply ones that need the extra support from always being the "happy" or "strong" one.

Starting therapy is a big step, and you have the right to find the right therapist to fit your needs. Give yourself some grace to find the person who is a good fit for you- and worst case scenario, if the therapist does not work out on the first try, you can try again. Therapy is a not a one-size-fits-all experience, so remember to not compare your experience to that of others.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional in the Tampa Bay Area and the owner of Heal Her Holistic Therapy, LLC. I provide telehealth services to adults in the states of Florida and Massachusetts. I also be provide in-person therapy to those in Brandon, FL. I have worked in the mental health field for over 8 years in community behavioral health settings helping teens and adults with co-occurring disorders. I am experienced in treating a variety of common mental health challenges such as stress, depression, anxiety, communication struggles, and life transitions. I am passionate about working with women's issues and young adults who are trying to figure out "adulting". My therapeutic approach is mindful of the needs of my clients to assist them in getting the best outcomes for their goals. In my work with clients, I am a true believer of “meeting people where they are”. I know it takes a lot of courage to reach out for help, so with that I am humbled each time that I get to work with someone. I offer a supportive presence to work through tough situations, and I believe that empathy is a good starting place in the therapeutic relationship.

I think shifting perspective on therapy from a deficit or "illness" mindset to a self-care mindset is most important. Therapy is form of self-care that everyone can benefit from. Approach it with an open mind and choose a practitioner you connect well with. The therapeutic alliance is your strongest tool in therapy!

I am a queer, neuro-divergent, disabled Latina who values social equity. I often bring my quirky humor into the therapy room, while also being adaptable to my individual clients’ needs and personalities. My personal interests include nature, gardening, being active outdoors, and spiritual reconnection with my indigenous culture. My counseling approach is de-colonial, strengths-based, and rooted in relational cultural therapy. I believe human growth occurs through safe, mutual connections, while honoring a person’s cultural experience through individual and broader systemic lenses. By the same token, I believe diagnosing holds its value and utilize evidence-based diagnosis when appropriate. I integrate counseling interventions to fit my clients’ needs. I have experience utilizing CBT, ACT, DBT, attachment theory, somatic therapy, and expressive therapy, such as art and gardening. I am a 2SLGBTQIA+ and neuro affirming counselor. I work with teenagers, adults, and children (case-by-case basis). I have extensive experience working with individuals with eating disorders (especially binge eating and those with varied disordered eating habits). I also work in the areas of trauma, ADHD, adult autism, anxiety, depression, bipolar, life transitions, identity exploration, and disenfranchised grief/loss.

If you’ve been thinking about therapy but keep finding reasons to put it off, I get it. You don’t have to be in crisis, know exactly what’s wrong, or have some perfectly organized list of things to talk about. You can simply know that something doesn’t feel right and want to understand yourself better. And therapy isn’t about sitting across from someone who has all the answers. You get to decide what you’re ready to talk about, and we figure the rest out together. My advice? Don’t wait until things feel unbearable. Give yourself permission to be curious about what could change. One conversation is a great place to start :)

I work with adults who are thoughtful, self-aware, and ready for something to change but may feel stuck in patterns of people-pleasing, overthinking, difficulty setting boundaries, or struggling to say what they really mean. Maybe you’re constantly considering everyone else’s feelings before your own, questioning whether you’re asking for too much, or realizing that the way you’ve been doing things just isn’t working anymore. Our sessions are conversational, honest, and collaborative. We’ll slow things down, make sense of what’s happening beneath the surface, and work on the things that matter in your day-to-day life not just talk about them. Sometimes that means processing and reflecting; sometimes it means getting practical and figuring out what you’re going to say, what boundary you need, or what step comes next. You don’t need to come to therapy with everything figured out. You just need to be willing to get curious about yourself. From there, we’ll work together.

Therapy is first and foremost a relationship, and we will move at the pace that is best for you. I want therapy to feel like a relief for you, somewhere to slow down and let go of all the things that you may hold in or push away as you move throughout your week. Starting therapy can be a gift to yourself.

Hi, I'm Darcy Cahill, LCSW. I approach therapy through a deeply relational lens — my work is grounded in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Hakomi's core tenet of loving presence, which means showing up for my clients with real attunement, not just technique. Self-compassion is at the heart of how I practice; I believe lasting change happens when we can finally turn toward ourselves with the same kindness we so easily offer others. I'm especially passionate about the transitional seasons of a woman's life — the biopsychosocial-spiritual shifts of new motherhood, perimenopause, and everything in between — as well as couples work, burnout in motherhood, and the family dynamics that show up around addiction and codependency. As a mother of two young children myself, I understand these transitions from the inside, not just from a clinical perpective. My own journey of healing and transformation is part of why I do this work — I've seen firsthand what's possible on the other side of struggle, and I bring that sense of possibility into the room with every client. More than anything, I love being a therapist. I'm a lifelong learner, always in training, reading, and deepening my own understanding. What clients often tell me sets me apart is that I really get them — they can tell me anything without judgment, and they feel genuinely connected to and seen by me.

Reaching out is the hardest part, give it a try. Also keep in mind you can stop at any time.

I have my LCSW and have been working as a social worker for 10 years. I focus on women and adolescents who have imposter syndrome or wearing masks to be who others want them to be.

Taking the first step is always challenging, but giving yourself the chance to be happy is one of the biggest gains you can get. So, you may have nothing to lose. My advice would be that proactiveness is the best way to reach the highest expression of yourself. And taking action is an example of that.

I’m a Latino Power cisgender Woman. If you ask the teenage, rebel, almost emo version of myself if I was going to become a Clinical Psychologist and a Licensed Professional Counselor as my career for sure you would get a long, very argumentative, and rotund NO as an answer. But look at me now. Life-changing experiences open the entrance to the world of healing for me, and I'm very grateful. My purpose is for you to see me as your companion through this journey of self-discovery. I'm gonna help you remember those inner skills, your true capacity, and inspire you to go to the seed of who you are and transform to regrow yourself from there.

For many people, the hardest part of therapy is simply starting. It’s normal to feel unsure, hesitant, or even skeptical, especially if you’ve spent a long time handling things on your own. I often wish people knew that therapy isn’t about being judged, analyzed, or told what to do. It’s a space to slow down, be understood, and make sense of what you’re carrying. You don’t need to have the “right” words or a clear goal to begin. We start where you are, at a pace that feels comfortable, and work together to figure out what would actually help. Reaching out doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It means you’re ready to take care of yourself in a new way.

Hi. I’m Adrienne Licari, LCSW-R, the founder of Positive Therapy Services. I work with teens, adults, and couples who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward. With a steady, compassionate approach, I help clients make sense of what they’re going through, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful change at a pace that feels right for them.

Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and everyone deserves support. Therapy and psychiatric care are about collaboration—I work with you to understand your needs, concerns, and goals. Whether you’re experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or other challenges, taking the first step can be life-changing. You are not alone, and help is available to guide you toward healing and resilience.

Dr. Mahesh Kumar is a highly skilled psychiatrist with a deep commitment to improving mental health. With over a decade of experience, he currently serves as an Attending Psychiatrist at Aspire BHP in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Kumar is fully certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and holds medical licenses in both Texas and Minnesota. In his career, Dr. Kumar has handled various roles, including Service Director at Laurel Ridge Treatment Center and Unit In-Charge at Regions Hospital's inpatient unit. He is passionate about patient care in both in-person and virtual settings, contributing to Teladoc Health Services. Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Kumar has made notable contributions to medical research and publications, reflecting his dedication to advancing his field. His expertise spans emergency, consultative, and outpatient psychiatry, proving his adaptability in diverse healthcare environments. Dr. Kumar's emphasis on care and compassion is driven by his aim to enhance the mental well-being of each individual. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, Dr. Kumar offers expertise you can trust and personalized care to guide you towards better mental health. Specialties Mental Health Adult Psychiatry Conditions Treated Depression Anxiety Bipolar disorders Schizophrenia Eating disorders ADHD PTSD Practice Description Dr. Mahesh Kumar is a dedicated psychiatrist with extensive experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings. He has a strong foundation in medicine, with a degree from Liaquat Medical University and specialized training from top programs in the U.S. Dr. Kumar is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He currently practices at Aspire Behavioral Health in San Antonio, TX, where he provides compassionate care tailored to each individual. Dr. Kumar believes in building trusting relationships and is committed to enhancing the mental well-being of his patients. Your mental health journey is important, and Dr. Kumar is here to support you every step of the way. Treatment Philosophy My treatment philosophy centers on compassionate, patient-centered care. I believe in creating a safe and welcoming environment where every patient feels valued and heard. I engage with patients through active listening, ensuring their concerns guide our treatment plans. I emphasize collaboration, as I see healing as a partnership. With a solid foundation in psychiatry, I specialize in mental health, focusing on tailored therapies that meet individual needs. My goal is to empower patients, helping them regain control over their lives. Together, we will navigate the complexities of mental wellness, fostering resilience and promoting overall health. Your journey is important, and I'm here to support you every step of the way. Treatment Approach Psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis Medication management and monitoring Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Trauma-Informed Care Crisis intervention strategies Collaborative treatment planning Mindfulness-Based interventions Family-focused therapy approaches Integrative outpatient care