Find well-being, stress reduction, improved communication, and relationship help

Sometimes it can feel difficult to start psychotherapy. Concerns include 1) whether the psychotherapist will be understanding and patient; 2) whether anyone can really help; 3) finding time to add another hour of commitment to the week; and 4) cost considerations.

On the first point, if I can believe what many patients have said in feedback such as in Zocdoc, I am a good listener, non-judgmental, and attentive; I also provide meaningful responses to help clarify issues and unlock hidden feelings. 

As for whether anyone can help: whatever difficulty we get into in life, we can also get out. Because we create our experience of the world, we can also create a better experience for ourselves through wise thoughts and actions. How long that takes depends on a number of factors, but many clients see improvement after a few weeks. Deeper changes take longer.

Regarding time commitment: if you give importance to your happiness and the happiness of those around you, whom you influence through your own feelings and behaviors, then you will find time to discuss with a professional the important issues on your mind, on a regular basis.

Last and not necessarily least, paying for therapy is more stressful for some people than for others. Many clients who are not wealthy commit to come weekly for at least six months, and perhaps alternate weeks after that depending on need. The investment in a year (for example) is far less than the cost of paying for a car or for most  vacations that involve travel, let alone buying or improving a house or other living space. Each person must consider whether being truly happy and at peace is just as important as many other pleasures in life in which we willingly invest.

If you decide that psychotherapy is something you want to investigate further, call or write today to take the first step.