Top Truths About Therapy: Insights from Your Therapist in West Seattle

Therapist West Seattle | Specializing in Life Transitions, Relationship Issues and Grief

There are plenty of options when it comes to counselors and therapists in West Seattle and sometimes it can be overwhelming to find one who is a good fit. Along with the challenge of finding someone, it’s also common to feel confused about the therapy or counseling process as a whole. There are lots of misconceptions about therapy that can make it difficult to know what to expect, especially if this is your first time seeking out help. In this post, I discuss some of the top truths about therapy to clarify what the process is all about. Below are some of the ideas I often discuss with people who are new to therapy or curious about how I work. 

Truth: Working with the right therapist (for you) can make all the difference

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy and finding the right therapist with the right approach for you, is crucial to having a positive experience. Therapy is a collaborative journey and it is important that you feel a connection with your therapist. Not every therapist is going to be a good fit for you and that’s okay. I’m certainly not the right therapist for everyone! The therapeutic alliance between the therapist and the client is a cornerstone of successful outcomes so it’s worth doing the work to find someone you click with.  As a therapist in West Seattle, I prioritize creating a strong and trusting relationship with my clients. This collaborative effort ensures that individuals feel heard, supported, and empowered on their path to healing. The best way to find out if we’re a good fit is by doing a 15-minute consultation with me, which you can schedule here. 

Truth: Therapy doesn’t fix you

Because you’re not broken. We’ll look at the whole picture and where your struggles are deeply linked to your environment and circumstances. Therapy encourages individuals to embrace their inherent strengths and inner wisdom. It reframes the narrative from one of fixing brokenness to one of empowering individuals to harness their unique abilities for growth and positive change. There is nothing wrong with you. 

Truth: Therapists in West Seattle don’t tell you what to do

Therapy is not about providing all the answers; it's about empowering individuals to discover their own truths. Through self-reflection and increased awareness, clients can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their patterns of behavior. This self-discovery is a powerful tool for making positive life changes and building a more fulfilling future. As your therapist, I am in this process with you — not with all the answers but alongside you helping you access your own ideas, and helping you see you don't have to go through this alone.  

Truth: You don’t need to know what’s wrong before seeking therapy in West Seattle

Maybe you just feel off or have a general feeling of being stuck. That’s ok! While some people seek out therapists in West Seattle for a specific problem or issue, plenty of people aren’t entirely sure what’s wrong or what they need help with. If this is you, please don’t let this stop you from seeking therapy. I work with plenty of clients who say they feel “stuck” but aren’t sure exactly what the issue is when they first start therapy. When that’s the case, part of therapy will involve figuring that part out together. One of the modalities I use is Brainspotting, which can be beneficial even when it’s unclear what the exact issue is. And while there are no magic fixes because sometimes life is just f'ing hard, the answers of what to do are within you and I’ll help you find them. You don't have to know everything before you start to heal. I'm here to help you find what is in the way of you living the life you want to live. 

Truth: There’s no right or wrong thing to talk about in therapy in West Seattle

All parts of you are welcomed and affirmed. One of the best things about therapy is that it is non-judgmental – as a therapist, my job is not to assess whether you are right or wrong, or make value judgments about your thoughts, feelings, choices, or behavior. My job is to support you and give you a safe space where you can be fully yourself – even the parts of yourself that you might not feel great about. Furthermore, you don’t have to have a “big”, or specific, problem to benefit from therapy. Every feeling is valid and worthy of attention. What is important to you, is important to me. 

Truth: Progress in therapy is not always linear

Healing is a gradual process that requires time and patience and sometimes we feel worse before we feel better. In our fast-paced society, individuals may seek quick solutions, but therapy is an investment in long-term well-being. That being said, therapy doesn’t need to last forever (unless you want it to.) You also don’t have to wait forever to start experiencing improvements – even if it takes longer to fully reach your goals, most people start to experience some degree of relief within the first few sessions. It's essential to manage expectations and understand that meaningful change often unfolds over time. As a therapist, I guide my clients through this process, helping them build resilience and navigate challenges in a way that aligns with their values.

Truth: Therapy in West Seattle is holistic

Therapy is not solely confined to the mind; it encompasses the overall well-being of individuals. My approach to therapy is holistic and addresses mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions. This holistic approach recognizes the interconnectedness of these elements, fostering a more comprehensive way to heal and grow. 

I hope this helps to give you a better idea of what it might be like to see a therapist in West Seattle. If you’re still feeling stuck or unsure of how to proceed, feel free to call me at (646) 543-7878, or contact me here, for a free 15-minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to talk with you about what is going on and who might be the right person to help. If I’m not the right person then I will do my best to point you in the right direction. If you are looking for help with life transitions, anxiety, grief, or relationship issues, or would like to try Brainspotting, you can read more about how I can help here.