Starting therapy can feel like standing at the edge of a cold swimming pool, knowing you need to jump in but hesitating because it looks so deep. The water feels unfamiliar, and part of you wonders if it is even safe. What if it is overwhelming? What if you do not belong here? What if you dive in and do not know how to swim?
That first step can be the hardest. Walking into a room with a stranger, sitting in an unfamiliar chair, and being asked, "How can I help you?" It can feel like the spotlight is on you, exposing all the things you have spent years tucking away. Your mind races. Do I say too much? Not enough? Will they think I am broken? Will they even understand?
The anxiety does not just sit with you; it practically shakes hands with you as you enter the room. What if I cry? What if I cannot find the words? What if this therapist cannot help me? These questions swirl around, loud and relentless.
And then, there is the fear of hope. Allowing yourself to believe this might help feels risky. What if it doesn’t? What if I am too much? Or worse, not enough?
But then, maybe, the therapist smiles. Maybe they do not rush you or expect you to spill everything at once. Maybe they listen in a way that feels rare and quiet, making space for your hesitations.
And suddenly, it is not about jumping into the deep end. It is about dipping a toe in, feeling the water, and realising you can move at your own pace. Starting therapy might be scary, but it is not about diving in perfectly. It is about showing up and trusting you can learn to swim when you are ready.
If you feel you are ready to take a dip then why not get in touch with me to discuss.
Thanks for reading.
Jonnylindsaycounselling@gmail.com
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