What many clients feel when starting therapy:

“I don’t know if I am messed up enough to be here.”

“I haven’t had anything really that bad happen to me.”

“I’m wondering if someone else should be taking up this time slot that really needs the help.”

“I feel bad, like I am wasting your time.”

“The stuff we talk about probably seems so small to you compared to your other clients.”

“This is really helpful for me, but it seems so silly…like I should have already known this stuff.”

——

I hear all of the above all the time.

Here is what I believe:

Anyone choosing to increase their self awareness and better their lives in any capacity deserves therapy as much as anyone else.

Just so you know, I don’t spend my time comparing or judging people’s life experiences on a scale of better or worse, more or less deserving than another.

You are as important as every other person on this planet. Your life matters. Your experiences matter. Your feelings matter.

You, as much as anyone else, are deserving and worthy of receiving support and guidance (whether you believe that right now or not).

Maybe you don’t know how to say no. Maybe you put others before yourself. Maybe you just don’t feel happy and don’t know why. Maybe it’s difficult for you to be open in relationships. Maybe you’re scared of asking your boss for a raise. Maybe you feel alone. Whatever the reason you attend therapy is – please know your reason is just as valid as anyone else’s.

Reach out to someone if you want or need support— no matter how big or small it seems.

Your friendly therapist,

Chelsey

P.S. If you don’t know who to ask or where to go, contact me and I will do my best to help you find that person.

Copyright © 2021 Chelsey Fjeldheim, Courage Speaks Counseling