Starting in October, I began my own private practice. I had until that time been working in a group practice providing therapy for individuals. Before therapy, I worked as a mobile crisis clinician for almost 4 years where I saw first hand the limits in mental health treatment and the suffering of those desperate for support. I have worn many hats in the mental health field but it was always my dream to transition to private practice therapy.
It was scary and overwhelming to take those first steps and take on the responsibility of doing it ‘on my own’. But luckily, I had the support of my friends, family and colleagues in the field who helped me through the ups and downs. Having support makes a world of difference. I don’t just say that in my sessions, I mean it and I believe it 100%. Support means you aren’t doing it alone. It means when you have hard days or moments of doubt there is someone to encourage you and help you through it.
I hope I can be that support to others: to be that shoulder you cry on, the person you talk to after a bad day, the one you reach out to when something good happens. If you feel alone and overwhelmed, I want you to know that you don’t have to feel that way. Starting therapy is a big choice but for most people it is the first obstacle in feeling better. Maybe you doubt you need therapy or have heard from others how bad and awkward it can be. Maybe you think it is like the movies where you come and sit down on a couch while someone takes naps and occasionally nods while you talk. Everyone has a different flavor of therapy so if your first time wasn’t right— keep trying! Not every person you meet becomes your friend, but when you find the right person you click. Therapy is the same. Hopefully we click but if we don’t that’s ok too. I will do what I can to help you find the treatment you need whether that be with me or someone else.
