Considering therapy requires curiosity and courage. By coming to therapy you are choosing you. It is a choice to know yourself more deeply, and to make time for reflection and understanding. This might feel selfish, indulgent, unnecessary, and to some, even socially irresponsible. Yet in times of personal struggle you are most likely thinking a lot about you. Self-preoccupation, which is characteristically negative and binary, often increases suffering. Paradoxically, it is very hard to be “aware” when self-preoccupied in this way. Perceptions get distorted, and yet are believed to be clear seeing. Most of us tend to ampliphy the negative while muting the positive; this can be difficult to hear on ones own.

Your story is worth telling. Something is wrong. Or perhaps many things are wrong. Despite your best efforts on your own, there is little change. Often, this is because most significant insights and emotional experiences happen in relationships. Furthermore, I believe pain demands presence. Having company, guidance, and support makes it possible to traverse difficulty or explore the unknown. Therapy offers this: a relationship unburdened by responsibility and obligation. Although it can feel strange to receive care without returning it, many soon find this to be a comforting relief.