What does therapy not do?

• Change unjust systems overnight: while mental health is often a symptom of unjust systems, I acknowledge that in individual therapy, we are focusing on what you, one person, can do. You may feel the weight is on you to change, and that systems need to change too. It is a both/and situation. Changing the way you show up in this world will challenge the environments that you function in to become more just. 

• Address racism, discrimination, etc. on a macro level: working for legislation, policy change on various levels, confronting oppression, etc. will cause more systemic change and hopefully less suffering. 

• Guarantee behavioral, thought or emotional change in a certain timeframe: for therapy to work, your commitment to do the work is vital–to show up, share, and be challenged will make all the difference for seeing the change you want.   

Also, therapy is not:

• Non-stop word vomit: you will have space to voice your thoughts, and I will collaborate with you to find a flow that helps you to process feelings and also utilize tools to get closer to your goals. 

• Force you to confess all your secrets right away: we start wherever you’re at, and we will go at a pace you’re comfortable with, with the caveat that I will at times challenge and push you a little to grow.

Therapy won’t solve the world’s problems, and it can make a profound impact on how you experience the world’s problems so you can feel less “bogged down” and function at your best. I’m excited to partner with you on this path! Contact me today to learn more!