We tend to come to therapy when we want to make a change or feel conflict in our lives. How we operate no longer works. Something's missing or something feels wrong. This may manifest as anxiety, discomfort or sadness. I believe we all have the capacity to heal, to learn new ways of dealing with our past wounds and present circumstances. Often from trauma stems growth and strength.

 

 

We may all come to this place looking for support, but not fully understanding what therapy or counseling looks like. Everyone has had different experiences or expectations.  It's important to share these with your therapist as you begin this important relationship.  I begin with gathering some history.  Have you had counseling before?  What was your experience like?  What did you feel worked, and what didn't?  We bring into the room our past . . . our childhoods, our values, our beliefs.  It is important to understand this history and how it plays out in the present.  I often give my clients the following analogy:  Therapy is like driving a car.  You have to look at the rearview mirror to see if something is coming up from behind you, but you can't stay there.  You must look forward to move ahead and see what's in front of you.  It's a delicate balance, and I can keep you moving forward and look at the past without the "charge" it may have had previously in your life.