Celebrating Your Courage: Taking the First Step Towards Well-being

Feb 13

Thinking about therapy? That's a huge step, and honestly, you should be incredibly proud of yourself for even considering it. Seriously, pause for a moment and acknowledge your immense courage. It's not always easy to reach out, and taking this first step is a testament to your strength.

Whether you're thinking about therapy for yourself, your relationship, or your family, it's completely normal to feel a mix of emotions. Maybe you're a little nervous, stressed, unsure, or even a bit embarrassed. Opening up to a therapist, especially someone you don't know, can feel vulnerable. We get it. And as therapists, we want you to know we're right there with you.

We're also human, just like you. We experience the full range of emotions as you do – joy, sadness, fear, anger, frustration, disappointment, stress – the whole shebang. We have our own struggles and make our own mistakes. It's this shared humanity and experience, combined with our professional training, that allows us to truly connect with you, understand what you're going through, validate your feelings, and offer real, compassionate support.

My life today, with a loving 20+ year marriage, two wonderful children, and a fulfilling career helping people find healing and well-being, is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of seeking support.

But my life wasn't always this way. I know what it's like to struggle. Growing up in a single-parent family after losing my dad to cancer at a young age, I experienced starvation firsthand. There were times I felt invisible, craving for simple affirmation and minimal attention many may take for granted. My teens were a rollercoaster of low self-esteem and sadness, and my 20s were marked by depression and confusion. Even in my 30s, I wrestled with self-acceptance and self-compassion. Like everyone, I've navigated the painful ups and downs of life, relationships, and everything in between. Now, in my 40s, I see life as a beautiful, ever-changing dance. There are still challenges, of course, but I've learned to embrace the rhythm, respect the highs and lows, and find the beauty in it all.

Life is a precious gift and a beautiful single trip meant to be fulfilling, fruitful, joyful, and enjoyable, the way you are always hoping for and deserve to have. But in reality, it can also be incredibly messy, overwhelming, daunting, frustrating, and confusing. We don't come to this world with an instruction manual or roadmap, and we're all just trying to figure it out as we go. The most important thing to remember is that you don't have to do it alone. Whatever you're carrying, whatever you're struggling with, please know that we're here. Bring your "can of worms" – we'll fight them together. Life is about all of us messing up gloriously and innocently, and also about steering our way back to track, eventually and successfully.

At the end, I would like to share my favourite quote with you: "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning how to dance in the rain." You've already taken a huge step by reading this far. Let us help you find your dance, even in the midst of the storm. Come as you are. We're ready to listen, understand, and support on your journey.