Challenges to beginning therapy and ways to navigate them
Realizing You Don’t Have to Do It All Alone
Let’s be honest—life can be a lot. We juggle work, relationships, responsibilities, and still feel like we’re supposed to smile through it all. There’s this unspoken pressure to keep going, no matter how depleted we feel. Somewhere along the way, we start believing that asking for help means we’re weak or letting others down. Maybe we even tie our worth to our productivity—like if we’re not doing everything perfectly, we’re somehow not enough. But here’s the truth: this kind of thinking is common, and it can really get in the way of seeking support. You are not alone, and you never have to be.
Embracing “It’s Okay Not to Be Okay”
We hear this phrase more often now—“It’s okay not to be okay.” But what does that really mean? It means exactly what it says. You don’t have to wait until everything falls apart before asking for help. Therapy isn’t just for when life is burning down; it’s also there to help you thrive, not just survive. Accepting that it’s okay to struggle is often the first step toward getting the support you deserve.
Trusting Someone With Your Inner World—Yes, It’s Scary
Many of us have been hurt, misled, or had our trust broken. So the idea of opening up to a stranger about your deepest thoughts? Terrifying. And that’s completely valid. But here’s something important: therapy is your space. You’re in control. You don’t have to commit to a dozen sessions. You get to decide if the therapist feels like a safe and supportive fit. A good therapist meets you with compassion, no judgment. And if it doesn’t feel right? You have every right to find someone else. You’re not stuck.
Facing All the Feelings
Therapy can stir up emotions you didn’t expect. Sometimes you’ll leave a session feeling heavy, or even worse than when you walked in. That’s actually normal. Working through emotions isn’t always neat or tidy. But feeling things deeply is part of healing. Don’t let that discomfort keep you from continuing—it’s a sign that you’re doing the work.
References: You may find helpful!
How Accepting Difficult Emotions Can Improve Emotional Health
Changing Long-Held Habits—Even the Tough Ones
Over time, we all build habits—some helpful, others not so much. Even when we know something isn’t working for us anymore, change can still feel daunting. It might affect your relationships, your routines, even your sense of self. It can feel lonely and uncomfortable at times. But again, that’s normal. A good therapist will walk with you through those growing pains, reminding you that change is hard because it matters. And on the other side? There’s hope. There’s healing. There’s a life where you’re not just coping—you’re thriving.
Reference: You may find to be helpful!
What’s next?
If you haven’t already, take a moment to check out the last blog—it offers helpful tips for finding a therapist who’s the right fit for you. Give it a try! You never know, it could be the first step toward feeling more like yourself again.
Yes, the barriers to starting therapy can feel overwhelming, but simply recognizing and accepting them is already a big step forward. And remember, it’s literally a therapist’s job to support you with empathy, patience, and without judgment. A good therapist understands how hard it can be to open up—and they’re trained to walk with you through that discomfort at your own pace. Remember therapist are human too!
