I’m used to handling things on my own. Is therapy really for me?
Many people come to therapy after years of trying to manage everything on their own. Reaching out reflects self-awareness, courage, and a willingness to care for yourself in a new way. It means something in you is ready for more support, more understanding, or a different way of carrying what you have been holding.
Therapy offers a space to slow down, make sense of what is happening, and begin responding to life with more clarity, compassion, and choice.
What’s the difference between talking to a therapist and talking to a friend or family member?
Support from friends and family can be incredibly meaningful. Therapy offers something different.
A therapist provides a confidential space focused entirely on you, without needing you to protect anyone else’s feelings, manage their reactions, or explain your experience perfectly. Therapy also brings clinical training, perspective, and tools that can help you better understand patterns, emotions, relationships, and the parts of yourself that may feel stuck or overwhelmed.
You do not have to choose between personal support and therapy. Both matter.
What happens in the first session?
The first session is an intake appointment. This gives us time to understand what brings you to therapy, what you are hoping for, and what kind of support may be most helpful.
We will talk about your current concerns, relevant history, symptoms, strengths, supports, relationships, life context, and goals for therapy. I may ask questions about things like mood, anxiety, trauma history, safety, coping, medical or mental health history, and what has or has not helped in the past.
You do not have to share everything all at once. The intake helps create a starting place, but therapy is a process. I will continue getting to know your story over time and move at a pace that respects your comfort, your nervous system, and your goals.
Can I talk about suicidal thoughts without being hospitalized?
Yes. Suicidal thoughts can be scary to talk about, especially if you worry that being honest will automatically lead to hospitalization. My goal is to create a space where you can talk openly about what you are experiencing so we can understand what support you need.
There is an important difference between suicidal ideation, planning, and intent.
Suicidal ideation can include thoughts such as not wanting to be here, wishing you could disappear, feeling like others would be better off without you, or having thoughts of death or suicide. These thoughts are important, and they deserve care, but they do not automatically mean you will be hospitalized.
A suicide plan means you have thought about how you might harm yourself. Plans can vary in detail, immediacy, and access to means. If planning is present, we will talk more specifically about safety, support, access to means, and what needs to happen to help you stay safe.
Suicidal intent means there is a desire or likelihood that you may act on those thoughts. When intent is present, especially with a plan, access to means, or immediate risk, we will focus on safety first.
Whenever possible, safety planning is collaborative. We may identify supports, coping strategies, ways to reduce access to means, crisis resources, and steps to help you get through the most difficult moments. Higher levels of care are considered when safety cannot be maintained with outpatient support.
Talking about suicidal thoughts is not “too much.” It is information we can work with together.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Your privacy matters. What you share in therapy is confidential, with a few legal and ethical exceptions related to safety, abuse or neglect, court orders, or risk of harm. We will review confidentiality before beginning therapy so you understand what is private and what the limits are.
How does therapy work?
Therapy looks different for each person because each person’s story is different. Some sessions may focus on current stressors, relationships, boundaries, emotional regulation, or practical skills. Others may explore deeper patterns, past experiences, parts of yourself that feel conflicted, or the ways you have learned to protect yourself.
My approach is collaborative. We will pay attention to what feels useful, what does not, and what helps you move toward greater calm, clarity, and confidence.
How long will therapy take?
There is no single timeline for therapy. Some people come for short-term support around a specific concern, while others choose longer-term work to explore deeper patterns, trauma, identity, relationships, or self-understanding.
We will check in along the way about your goals, progress, and what feels most helpful. Therapy is not about rushing you. It is about supporting meaningful change at a pace that makes sense for you.
What can I do to get the most out of therapy?
Therapy tends to be most helpful when you are willing to be honest, curious, and open to reflection. You do not have to do it perfectly. You do not have to know exactly what to say. You simply need to show up as you are.
Between sessions, it may help to notice patterns, practice skills we discuss, reflect on what feels important, or pay attention to what becomes activated in daily life. Small moments of awareness can become meaningful parts of the work.
Do you offer online or in-person sessions?
I offer both online and in-person therapy. Online sessions can be a helpful option if you need flexibility, privacy, or accessibility. In-person sessions may be preferred if you feel more grounded meeting face-to-face. We can discuss what works best for your needs.