Is Therapy With Me Right for You? Signs You're Ready & Next Steps
Many people consider therapy but hesitate at the threshold, unsure if now is the right time or if I'm the right therapist for their journey. This uncertainty is completely normal. Therapy represents both an investment and a commitment to your wellbeing—it's worth taking time to consider whether you're ready.
Signs You Might Be Ready for Therapy
You've been trying to handle things alone, but it's not working anymore
Perhaps you've always prided yourself on being self-sufficient. You've read the books, tried the apps, and implemented the advice from well-meaning friends. But despite your best efforts, you find yourself stuck in the same patterns or overwhelmed by the same challenges.
You're noticing patterns that concern you
Maybe you recognize that you're repeating relationship dynamics from your childhood, experiencing the same conflicts at work, or using coping mechanisms that provide temporary relief but long-term harm. This awareness is actually a powerful sign of readiness.
Your loved ones have expressed concern
Sometimes those closest to us notice changes in our behavior or mood before we do. If friends or family have gently suggested you might benefit from talking to someone, it could be worth considering their perspective.
You're struggling with basic self-care
Finding it difficult to maintain regular sleep, eat properly, or engage in activities that once brought you joy can indicate that your internal resources are depleted. When self-care becomes challenging, therapeutic support can help you rebuild these fundamental patterns.
You're going through a significant life transition
Major life changes—whether positive or challenging—can trigger the need for additional support. Career shifts, relationship changes, new parenthood, loss, or even positive achievements can all create internal disruption that therapy can help navigate.
You're curious about understanding yourself better
Sometimes the strongest motivation isn't crisis but curiosity. If you find yourself wondering why you react the way you do or wanting to develop a deeper understanding of your patterns and potentials, therapy offers a structured space for this exploration.
How My Approach Might Help
My therapeutic practice focuses on the connection between self-care, internal parent-child dynamics, and sustainable wellbeing. I believe that many of our adult struggles stem from early experiences where our fundamental needs weren't consistently met or validated.
Together, we might:
Explore how your childhood experiences shaped your relationship with your needs
Develop practical skills for recognizing and responding to your body's signals
Work through perfectionism and burnout cycles
Build sustainable self-care practices that honor your unique needs
Address the deeper beliefs about worthiness that may be blocking your self-care
Next Steps If You're Considering Therapy With Me
1. Reflect on your goals
Before reaching out, spend some time thinking about what you hope to gain from therapy. Your goals might evolve as we work together, but having some initial direction helps us start in a focused way.
2. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation
I offer complimentary virtual consultations to discuss your needs and determine if we might be a good fit. During this call, you can ask questions about my approach, experience, and what to expect from working together.
3. Complete the new client forms
If we decide to proceed after our consultation, I'll send you intake forms to complete before our first session. These help me understand your history and current concerns more thoroughly.
4. Attend your first session with an open mind
Initial sessions focus on building our relationship and deepening my understanding of your unique situation. Come prepared to share, but know that therapy is a process—you don't need to tell me everything at once.
5. Evaluate the fit after 2-3 sessions
The therapeutic relationship is crucial to successful outcomes. After a few sessions, check in with yourself about how you feel working with me. Do you feel heard and understood? Does my approach resonate with you? This reflection helps ensure we're on the right path together.
A Final Note
Reaching out for support is an act of courage, not weakness. If you recognize yourself in what you've read here, I encourage you to take that next step. Whether you choose to work with me or another therapist, prioritizing your mental health is a powerful form of self-care that creates ripples throughout your life.
