On the Fence about getting started with therapy? Your guide to making it to your first appointment

July 8, 2024

So, you’ve finally made the decision to look into therapy but between finding the right therapist, figuring out if you can afford it and finding time the time to make it happen, uncertainty is starting to creep in. We get it!

Getting started therapy is a big deal, and it’s completely normal to have some reservations. Many people feel uncertain – even after an initial consultation (or 2 or 3). Stop analysis paralysis in its tracks with this quick guide to help you overcome obstacles to getting to your first session.

Common Concerns About Getting started Therapy

Let’s dive into some common concerns and explore what you can do about it.

“Is Therapy Really for Me?”

You might be wondering if therapy is the right fit for you. Maybe you’re thinking your issues aren’t serious enough or that therapy might not help.

Why It’s Okay to Feel This Way: A common misconception is that therapy is only for folks who are deeply depressed or non-functional. Common messaging we receive about therapy from TV, media, and societal stigma presents therapy as something you do only when you are falling apart. In reality, it’s best to build a relationship with a therapist before things become dire. Plus, whereas, we absolutely can support you with addressing negative aspects your functioning –such as symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and more– one of the most powerful benefits of therapy is helping you expand in your capacity for joy, love, peace, and connection and more. We think you deserve to be more than just “not depressed”. Let us support you with connecting deeply with your level 10 out of 10 life!

What You Can Do:

Learn More: Spend some time reading about different types of therapy and how they work. Understanding your options can help you feel more confident.
Ask Questions: Use your consultation to ask about the therapist’s approach and see if it resonates with you, including approaches for wellness, not just curing illness.
Give It a Try: Consider committing to a few sessions to see how you feel. Sometimes, you need to experience it firsthand to know if it’s right for you.

“Can I Afford Therapy?”

Worrying about the cost is super common. It’s a valid concern, especially if you’re trying to manage a budget.

Why It’s Okay to Feel This Way: Therapy can seem expensive, but can also be one of the most potent investments in your well-being. Unlike most purchases, therapy can be life-changing and positively impact every area of your life for the better, including your finances!

What You Can Do:

Check Insurance: See if your insurance covers mental health services.
Ask About Sliding Scales and other supports: Many therapists offer sliding scale fees based on your financial situation. For example, Healing Insight partners with the Loveland Foundation to provide up to 12 sessions of Free therapy for Black Women
Imagine your transformation: Imagine your life after successfully completing therapy. Really spend time exploring how you would be thinking, feeling, and doing things differently than you do now. Imagine those benefits spreading out 1 year, 5 years, 10 year into the future. If investing in therapy now could lead to those benefits, would it be worth it to you?
Prioritize Your Budget: Look at your expenses and see where you can make adjustments to prioritize therapy. It’s a valuable investment in your future.

“I Don’t Have Time for Therapy.”

Life is busy, and it can be hard to imagine fitting therapy into your schedule.

Why It’s Okay to Feel This Way: On the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have learned to value our precious time differently and that is, in many ways, a good thing. At the same time, adding something new can feel overwhelming. Making time for therapy is a blend of finding a therapist who can work with your schedule and connecting with your social support to help carve out the time you need. Also, keep in mind, taking care of your mental health can actually help you manage your time better overall.

What You Can Do:

Look for Flexible Options: Find therapists who offer evening or weekend sessions, consider online therapy,–which can be more convenient–or try out Therapy Intensives to accelerate healing in weeks vs. months or years.
Reevaluate Your Schedule: See if there are activities or commitments that can be adjusted to make room for therapy. For example, With virtual services, Lunch hour therapy is now just a click a way.
Start Small: Even a single session a month can make a difference. Start with what you can manage and build from there. If you want to get big progress without the weekly commitment, Therapy intensives allow you to attend therapy monthly rather than weekly.

“I’m Scared to Face My Emotions.”

Opening up about your feelings can be really intimidating. It’s totally normal to feel scared or vulnerable. And yet, emotions unaddressed often wreak havoc on our well-being in the form of productivity and focus issues, chronic health conditions, and conflict with friends and family.

Why It’s Okay to Feel This Way: Confronting your emotions takes a lot of courage. Therapy is a safe space designed to help you navigate these feelings at your own pace. It’s okay to not go “there” every session and instead focus on exploring themes related to joy, peace, and expansion. With therapy you can learn to befriend your emotions or learn to understand them meaningful data points, guiding you to your wellness.

What You Can Do:

Take It Slow: Therapy is a journey, not a race. Your therapist will work with you to go at a pace that feels comfortable.
Build Coping Skills: Learn and practice coping strategies to manage difficult emotions between sessions. Some therapists are trained to provide somatic interventions, allowing you process experiences without hyperfocusing on the associated painful or traumatic experiences in your life.
Lean on Your Support System: Share your therapy journey with trusted friends or family who can offer encouragement and support. Engaging in community care can also be a great way to receive support, even if your friends and family are unable.

“I Have Too Many Options and Don’t Know Who to Choose.”

After hours of reading bios and maybe even having a few consultations, it can be tough to decide on the right therapist.

Why It’s Okay to Feel This Way: With so many choices, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Each therapist has a unique approach, and finding the right match can take time.

What You Can Do:

Align with Your Goals: Think about how each therapist’s approach lines up with your personal goals.
Trust Your Gut: Pay attention to how you feel after each consultation or bio you read. Your intuition can be a valuable guide.
Check Their Values: See how their practice aligns with your values. Do they offer additional supports outside of therapy that allow for community care? coaching support? faith based counseling?
Ask what to Expect: Address any lingering uncertainty by asking what to expect leading to the first appointment and the first few sessions.
Consider the Extras: Look at whether they have the capacity to support your whole family or offer multiple therapists within the same practice. This can save time and energy when it comes to filling out intake paperwork and coordinating care. When you work with a group practice, you have the opportunity to “date around” to find the right therapeutic fit, before committing.
Give It Time: Remember, the first few sessions (~1-3) are crucial for laying the foundation, identifying a plan, building rapport, and starting to see results you are looking for.

How Healing Insight Can Help

At Healing Insight Therapy and Wellness Collective, we’re all about supporting you on your journey to better mental health. Here’s how we make it easier for you:

Tailored Approach: We personalize our therapy to fit your unique needs, making sure you feel seen, heard, and understood.
Affordable Options: We offer sliding scale fees and help you navigate insurance to make therapy more accessible.
Flexible Support: We offer flexible formats to address your holistic mental health needs including: virtual sessions to fit your busy life, extended Therapy intensives to accelerate healing, Coaching to help you meet specific future goals, and and Group Wellness to provide community care.
Safe and Supportive Space: Our therapists create a non-judgmental environment where you can explore your emotions comfortably. With our “all roads lead to healing approach” we can support with addressing trauma or expanding into joy.
Comprehensive Support: We have multiple therapists within our practice, so if your first match isn’t perfect, you can easily switch without starting over on paperwork and intakes. We also offer therapeutic support for the whole family (children, teens, couples, family) to meet all your loved ones’ needs.

Don’t let these concerns hold you back from the support you deserve. Therapy is a powerful tool for personal growth and healing, and we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to move forward or have any questions, reach out to us. We’re here to help you on your journey to holistic mental health and wellness. Remember, the path to healing starts with a single step. Don’t get stuck in hesitation—let’s do this together!

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At Healing Insight Therapy and Wellness Collective, we believe in the transformative power of therapy. Our holistic, intersectional approach honors your unique experiences and ancestral wisdom, guiding you toward a brighter, healthier future. Join our Village and be part of a community dedicated to breaking barriers and cultivating legacies.