It may possibly be one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. Your mind fills with questions and doubts. You think, “this will never work” or “I don’t really need this.”
It’s not easy and it takes a tremendous about of courage to pick up the phone, dial the number, and schedule the appointment. Just getting this far can be all the courage you have today. That’s okay. You did it.
Taking a risk and seeking therapy means admitting something isn’t working right in your life. It means being vulnerable and sharing with someone the parts that we try to hide – the pain, the brokenness, anxieties, fear and disappointments.
Maybe you’ve tried to ignore the problem, maybe you’ve tried to read a book, talk to a friend or pastor but the problem is still there, always looming in the background.
You’ve reached a breaking point. Don’t worry. You’re not alone. Believe it or not, this is the perfect place to be. Asking for help is where change starts and growth begins.
All the emotion you’re feeling as you pick up the phone, wait through the ringing and finally utter the words to set up an appointment is such a good sign in your life.
It’s a sign of hope in the midst of hopelessness and healing in the midst of pain. You’ve recognized that something isn’t right and you’ve decided you’re going to do something about it: something new — something different — something that takes courage.
While you’re reaching out to a therapist who you likely haven’t met yet, you’re not alone and whatever you’re experiencing isn’t going to shock or surprise them.
You’re human. Part of being human means you experience feelings and emotions that sometimes need to be talked through with a trusted guide, a therapist whose role is to journey with you and help you find solutions.
The therapist isn’t going to solve your problems for you, they’re going to come alongside you, support you and help you see things in a different way so that you can take the next step forward.
You are not alone. Many have walked this road before you and many will walk it after you. Maybe you’re thinking, “none of my other friends have sought therapy.”
But you know what? Don’t worry about anyone else. Focus on what you need to do for yourself. Don’t get lost in comparing yourself to anyone – that’s a game you can never win. You will either become complacent because you’re not as “bad” as them, or you will completely shut down because you feel like a total failure. It’s a distraction.
Focus on you, your goals and what you want to accomplish. And you know what? The courage and bravery it takes to make that call, schedule the appointment, and come to my office for the first time doesn’t go unnoticed. I notice it every time a client opens my office door and sits down on my couch to share their story.
I admire you. Change is hard. Asking for help is hard. But you’re here and that takes courage. I believe we were never meant to journey through the ups and downs of life alone and it’s my honor and deep privilege to share in your story and journey alongside you.