Starting Counseling: What It Really Means
Starting Counseling: What It Really Means
People often come to counseling in a moment of crisis—sometimes seeking support, sometimes feeling they have nowhere else to turn, sometimes by court order, or sometimes at the urging of a loved one. Whether therapy was your idea or someone else’s, the fact is: you’re here, looking for a counselor. And that’s a brave step.
For many, starting counseling can feel nerve wracking. There’s uncertainty, vulnerability, and maybe even fear. My goal is to help you understand what counseling is, how it works, and why it can be one of the most transformative experiences of your life.
Let’s be clear: counseling does not mean you’re “crazy.” It means you’re human. It’s a space to explore, learn, heal, grow, and change. In the routine of sessions, clients begin to develop healthier ways to regulate emotions, relate to others, and show up authentically in their lives. The goal isn’t just insight—it’s integration. What we work on in therapy should carry into real life.
Counseling is confidential, as it is protected under the Health Information Protection and Accountability Act (HIPAA). With exceptions for suicide, homicide, child/elder abuse or neglect, your information is private. Any other sharing of information requires your written permission. Confidentiality is the foundation of a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship.
Online counseling offers a flexible, accessible way to receive mental health support from virtually, whether you're at home or simply prefer the privacy of your own space. It eliminates the need for commuting, making it easier to fit therapy into your schedule without sacrificing comfort or consistency. Some clients would never walk into a traditional counseling office—whether due to stigma, anxiety, transportation barriers, or simply not feeling safe in that environment. It’s therapy that meets you where you are—literally and emotionally.
My approach is strengths-based and trauma-informed. That means I focus on what’s working, not just what’s broken. I believe therapy works best when clients feel safe, seen, and understood. Trust is the foundation. And once that trust is built, we can begin to challenge the issues that brought you here.
I’ve found that many clients make progress when they begin to recognize their own resilience—how they’ve survived, adapted, and endured. I want my clients to understand that while they may have problematic behaviors or perspectives, they are not the problem. Therapy is about separating the struggle from the self.
As counseling unfolds, clients often discover a new story—one rooted in purpose, strength, and clarity. We work together to confront the hardest issues directly, not avoid them. And through that process, you gain the courage to move forward.
Ultimately, my goal is to help you resolve the challenges that brought you to therapy and prepare you for the next chapter of your life. Counseling isn’t meant to last forever. It’s meant to equip you to face your future with confidence.
