Dr. Grisel Lopez-Escobar, PhD, LMHC, NCC

As a kid, I think that I first learned that adults could be therapists was through the 'Bob Newhart Show.' I was fascinated with the idea that it was an actual job that people could get to do. I continue because it still remains fascinating to me, I guess...

Maybe this is your first time considering therapy, and you're wondering how it would all work. I mean, there's probably been a lot of things that you've been keeping pretty close to your chest, and the idea of discussing them with a therapist might be... kind of weird. Although you know that theoretically therapy should be helpful, getting THAT real, THAT vulnerable, might seem not even icky, but also pretty scary, if not downright impossible. I get it. The good news is that you'll remain in charge throughout the whole process. You're in charge of what you share and you're in control of the stuff we work on together. It's a judgement-free zone where you can freely discuss what's going on for you and find practical ways forward. How's that sound?

I place a great deal of importance in the therapeutic alliance, which is just a fancy name for the relationship between the two of us. Tons and tons of research show great alliances make for great therapeutic results. So, from the get-go you and I will discuss how we can make this alliance as strong as possible, and what sorts of things you think could cause a rupture in our relationship and how we could work towards repairing any eventual ruptures.

Right off the bat, my number one priority will be making you comfortable. Therapy works best when you feel at ease, and your brain gets that you're in a safe place to explore what's been doing on and what you would like to create in your life. It can be kind of daunting, especially at first, but rest assured that on my many years on Earth there's probably nothing much I haven't already heard and pretty much nothing can shock me at this point. I mean, if you can't feel safe talking to your therapist, who CAN you feel comfortable with?

I provide all my clients with therapy via Therapy Notes, which is a HIPAA-compliant platform. This way, you get to 'go to therapy' without having to actually 'go' to therapy!