How to Overcome the Fear of Seeking Therapy

This blog shares information on how to overcome the fear of seeking therapy. You may be hesitant to start therapy for the first time. This blog also applies to those who have had traumatizing, confusing, or bad experiences in therapy. Whatever your situation may be, it’s understandable to not feel ready to take the first step.

 

While the decision to start therapy ultimately comes from you, you may be looking for some encouragement to go all in. This may be from consulting with loved ones, researching benefits and different styles of therapy, and more. Maybe you hear how others around you are benefitting from therapy, which makes you more curious. 

 

To overcome the fear of seeking therapy, you’ll need to put yourself out there. Being transparent on initial phone consultations can help you openly discuss any concerns. By finding a therapist that is experienced with your presenting issues, you may feel more at ease. Finally, lean into vulnerability. 

 

Therapy in Simi Valley, CA is held in-person. We are experienced in issues such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, ADHD, and more. Make sure to read our blog on 3 Benefits of Individual Therapy.

 

How to Overcome the Fear of Seeking Therapy: Being transparent on initial phone consultations

The initial phone consultations are a great place to ask any questions or share any concerns. With New Leaf, you can expect to initially connect with our practice manager. While she can share in-depth information about our services, it’s understandable that you may want to speak to the therapist directly. 

 

Therapists are more than familiar with potential reasons to be hesitant to start therapy. There may be a fear of judgment for the issues you’re coming in to address. Perhaps you’ve been betrayed in the past, and struggle with trusting new people. 

 

The therapist can provide needed validation for your fears, and offer some relief. Just by hearing the therapist tell you that they want to move at your pace, can make you feel a bit more in control. Your therapist will not push you more than you’re comfortable with, and wants to ensure that you feel your own autonomy in sessions. 

 

In sum, therapists are trained to navigate sessions in an effective and productive way. At New Leaf, our therapists are all trauma-informed as well. For trauma therapy in Simi Valley, CA, you can expect to work with competent therapists. Make sure to read our blog on How to Process Trauma!

 

How to Overcome the Fear of Seeking Therapy: Finding a good therapist that is also experienced with your presenting issues

Finding a good fit therapist is key to overcoming your fear of seeking therapy. Well, how do you find the best fit therapist? How do you know if someone will be a good fit for you off the bat? This is especially true when you have never worked with a mental health professional before – you’re not sure what to expect. (You can read our blog on How to Find the Best Fit Therapist, here). 

 

You can expect that it may take a couple of sessions to feel out a therapist. On the initial phone consultation, you’ll want to ask questions about their experience with your issues. What settings did they gain experience in? How do they usually structure treatment, what’s their approach? If that information sounds good, it’ll take some time to build rapport with them. 

 

Rapport comes from feeling that you have a safe, comfortable, and trusting relationship with your therapist. You feel confident that the therapist truly understands the issues you’re struggling with, and can provide effective support. It takes time to build this up with your therapist, although things can sometimes feel comfortable from the start.

 

When you’re working with an experienced therapist, you can feel confident that you’re in good hands. In therapy in Ventura County and LA County, our therapists are passionate about treating a range of issues. Make sure to read our blog on the 3 Kinds of Therapy in Simi Valley!

 

How to Overcome the Fear of Seeking Therapy: Leaning into vulnerability

Being vulnerable may be your #1 contender of something you struggle with. This could have been shaped by several potential reasons. In some cultures, it can be frowned upon or discouraged to express negative emotions. Perhaps in the past, you’ve been let down by people you trusted. This caused you to feel the need to lock everything up and throw away the key.

 

An important factor that contributes to the efficacy of treatment is vulnerability. Vulnerability doesn’t need to come out immediately and all at once. You can expect that your therapist will encourage you to open up, and begin venturing into that territory.

 

You may want to start with being vulnerable, by discussing the reasons why you’re uncomfortable being vulnerable. What significant events or relationships have influenced this? What does avoiding being vulnerable do for you? It could be a protective measure, to ensure you don’t get too close or comfortable with anyone.

 

Building a sense of trust with your therapist is key. Your therapist is there to help you gain more insight, process difficult times, and support you in achieving your goals. Make sure to read our blog on How to Be Vulnerable – for when you’re ready.

 

We’re here to talk about any hesitations to start therapy with us. It’s our goal to ensure we’re the right fit for each other, and provide support in connecting you with the right therapist.

 

In-person therapy in Simi Valley is ideal for those seeking a separate, safe space from their home. Check out our blog on Online Therapy or In Office Therapy to understand what format is best for you. Another great blog to read is ours on if you need Therapy or Medication to address your issues.

 

By seeking out support, you can begin your journey to feeling relief. You don’t have to go through finding the right level of support alone, either. By clicking here, you’ll read our blog on Information About Simi Valley Therapists.

 

Consider calling our therapy group at (805) 774-1506 for a free consultation on how you or a loved one can get started today!

Seek out a validating, safe environment with us today. We will help you get to where you want to be. Our therapists provide trauma therapy, teen therapy, individual adult therapy, LGBTQIA+ therapy, anxiety therapy, depression therapy, family therapy, and more in-office in Simi Valley, CA.