Come on in,
I'm so glad you are here.
I know it's a lot
and the fact that you’ve made it
is more than most people do.
Doing something new is scary.
We don’t know each other yet.
And to be honest,
I'm a little nervous too.
So let’s take a few breaths.
Sit wherever you’d like…
the chair
the couch
even the floor,
whatever feels best.
Move that pillow or blanket,
out of the way
or hold it against your chest.
If you like to have something in your hands,
there are many fidgets to try.
Feel free to grab a snack
or coffee or tea,
whatever you might need
…to just be.
In this room,
you get to simply be you,
so come as you are,
happy or sad,
embarrassed or mad,
you don’t have to hold back.
See,
this office is a time machine,
so tell me WHEN you’d like to go.
We can bounce ideas around this writers room
until you find something that resonates with you.
Let’s set up the stage
and rehearse as many times as you need.
But therapy doesn't have to be talking…
It can be singing or dancing or walking.
It can be listening to music
or doing or showing your art
or simply sitting in silence…
when it feels like it’s all fallen apart.
We can pick up the pieces
and do a puzzle
or play a game.
We can rip up papers
and punch pillows
and express emotion
without shame.
I will never be able to fully walk in your shoes,
but
if you'll let me,
I'll try them on for size,
and walk beside you
as a fellow traveler
in this thing we call life.
I see you.
I hear you.
I understand you.
I accept you.
You. make. sense.
You are not crazy or lazy.
Existing
is
hard.
You might not be sure how you feel.
There might be words you’ve never spoken.
But you don't need to be fixed
because
you. are. not. broken.
You may wonder what I think
or are afraid of being judged.
You might worry you are too much
or feel too uncertain.
But…
I am here.
I can handle it.
You. are. not. a. burden.
Therapy
is
hard…
and uncomfortable
and weird
and sometimes…awkward.
It is totally normal
to have strange dreams or thoughts
or impulses or fears
to feel like everything is so unclear.
To have fantasies or desires
to even think about death
or feel out of control,
to not know who you are
or if you’ll ever feel whole.
You will probably to go back and forth
between feeling better and worse
because healing is not a straight line
and can take a very long time.
I don't have all the answers…
or any answers really…
Unfortunately,
I'm just a human
and sometimes I'm a mess.
I get anxious and depressed
and struggle with PTSD.
I don't always practice what I preach.
I forget to breathe.
I throw coping skills out the window
and don’t know what to do.
…I’ll let you in on a little secret,
therapists need therapists too.
I don't do this work for the money.
I don’t pretend to care for a check.
I have to make a living
but know that this is what I choose
because I really want to know
what it is like to be you.
I’ll feel happy for your wins
and proud of your accomplishments.
I’ll feel sad when things go wrong
or you are grieving a loss.
I’ll feel angry at your mom
or your dad
or your boss
or your ex.
Yes, I want to read the texts
and see pictures of your pets.
Show me that tiktok or video
that helped you understand or connect.
Let’s celebrate every single boundary you set.
Also,
if I give you homework or suggestions,
you never have to do them.
There are no grades
and I will not be disappointed or petty
because
at the end of the day,
you know what is best for you
and you’ll do it when you are ready.
Sometimes, therapy sucks
and you won't want to come.
So, either come anyways and we can work with what we’ve got,
or…not…
Just let me know at least a day in advance
so I have a chance to adjust.
Because I get it,
I also have good and bad days,
or show up even when I’m under the weather.
So sometimes I feel relieved by a cancellation or two,
but…sometimes…
talking to YOU
makes ME feel better.
I think of you between sessions,
wonder how the date or interview went,
worry if you were able to pay rent
or get your needs met.
I might even see you out in the wild
but I won't say anything
out of respect for your privacy.
Though if you want to,
you are always welcome to say hi to me.
I want to know what you really think.
I know honesty is hard,
but I want your feedback.
If I said something that upset you
or got it all wrong
or you want to quit
or it doesn't feel like a good fit.
Perhaps I’m too young or too old,
too gentle or too bold,
I promised I won't be offended.
Safety and trust are a must.
I’ve been in your seat
across from therapists I ended up loving or hating.
ya know…it’s funny…
But finding the right therapist
is kind of like dating.
Let’s take it slow,
get to know each other more,
talk about your goals,
and techniques we can explore.
You made it here.
In a lot of ways,
that can be the hardest part.
So,
no rush.
Take your time.
And whenever you're ready.
tell me where you'd like to start.