ONE STEP

Since you are visiting this page, it would seem as though you are at least considering starting a journey that many times does seem a thousand miles long. Starting the process of change in any part of your life can seem overwhelming. We have all been there. The feelings that bring us to this point are complex and can be uncomfortable. For many, therapy is that first step towards change, and change is a journey that takes time. How much time? We can set  goals that are time specific or we can just check in with each other periodically to see how each of us thinks we are progressing. Either way, the first step has to be taken. And with a good therapist, we take that step together. One step at a time, one session at a time, one goal or issue at a time. If you have been through the process of therapy before, you may already know this. If this is your first time, taking that first step will require a leap of faith. Many before you have taken it and achieved great progress and change, found peace and clarity, and you can do this too. You are ready, since you are reading this, whether you believe it or not. Faith is about believing that things are real even though we may not be able to see or touch them. Starting therapy is an exercise i having faith in yourself, and feeling better is the result.  The journey of a thousand miles begins with one single step. You are taking that step right now by even thinking about getting into counseling. If you can take the step to start counseling, that is yet another step closer.  There is a lingering taboo about going to therapy in our culture, and sometimes that is part of the fear many of us feel about getting into therapy. We wonder what our friends or family will think, or worry that "needing therapy" is a sign of weakness or failure. I prefer to think of it as a radical act of bravery, a decision that speaks volumes about how willing a person is to make positive changes in their lives.  With me, therapy is a mutual, collaborative effort. We both work through things, both putting faith in the other as goals are set and reached through creativity and courage. I promise to show up if you do.  i consistently remind myself that self esteem is about how you feel about yourself, not how others feel about you. I also believe that self esteem comes largely from doing things that are difficult and then being able to say, "There, I did it." There is an African proverb that states, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." I think this is a great way to look at the journey of counseling and the role that counseling plays in taking charge of your life. So, take a deep breath and let's get walking.