Reaching out for help is not an easy decision for many people. This is why finding a therapist that "fits" is so important. Each time you reach out isn't your only chance, but you want each attempt at improving your life to count. My goal is to give my clients a warm, supportive environment where they will be seen and heard. I know you would have already solved your own challenges if they were easy to solve. This knowledge allows me to enter the therapeutic space with humility, acknowledging your expertise in yourself and your challenges. I will bring my experience guiding and supporting others through similar (but never the same) situations, as well as the wealth of knowledge generated by hard working researchers who are discovering new things every day about how to improve the treatment of various disorders. I read papers so you don't have to. It's my responsibility to stay up-to-date so you can be confident that the support you have is drawing from the leading edge of human expertise.
While therapy often can be a meandering journey, with steps forward and steps back, I believe having a systemic approach and an adaptable conceptualization can prevent the journey from feeling like an endless one. I strongly value tracking progress and making sure there are realistic and attainable goals. While the end result should include an increased sense of fulfillment and a greater understanding of your own circumstances, data can help us to see in what way things have improved, and potentially show us avenues for further growth, or indicate if there is a more fruitful approach to a challenge.
I want to end this TED talk by saying, "I applaud you." Like I mentioned at the beginning, therapy is hard to choose. The fact that you are reading this means you are already looking for help for yourself, a loved one, or both. For those who have not done much therapy before, I also want to let you know that it can be hard to go through the process of therapy. It is not easy to face fear, or to explore vulnerable places within yourself. I will provide you a safe and warm space in which to grow, but there will always be growing pains. However, the difficult journey is worth it if it can bring you closer to making your life the way you want it to be.