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Therapy has been truly life-changing for me these past six months and although this episode feels incredibly vulnerable, it’s also SO important.

I’ve referenced therapy a tiny bit on the show but I haven’t really talked about it specifically.  It’s wild to admit this, but I had never done therapy until six months ago.

It’s not that I didn’t think therapy was an incredible tool, it’s not because I didn’t know people who swore by therapy… When I really got honest about why I had never done therapy, I realized I had this belief that nothing was bad enough to need it. (Boy, was I wrong!)

In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of some of the transformation I’ve been experiencing in private and sharing a little bit more of my life with you. Let’s dive into this personal update!

Digging Deeper Into My Initial Hesitation

When I got honest with myself about why I hadn’t started therapy yet, I realized that it stemmed from a belief that my struggles were not significant enough to warrant professional help.

Growing up in a culture where therapy was not commonly discussed or sought after, I carried a stigma that hindered me from seeking the support I needed. However, a pivotal moment during a girl’s trip led me to connect with a therapist recommended by a trusted friend, marking the beginning of my therapy journey.

Let’s Be Honest: Barriers to Therapy

We can’t have this conversation properly without acknowledging that it is a privilege to go to therapy; a luxury that not everyone has access to.

The average cost of therapy in the U.S. ranges from $100 to $200 per session (depending on the state), according to a 2019 report by SimplePractice. And unfortunately, only around 38.32% of therapists in private practice are in-network with any insurance panel… meaning this $100 to $200 often needs to be paid out of pocket. Not to mention secondary costs, like transportation and childcare, can make therapy unattainable (or unsustainable) for many Americans.

Despite those challenges, 80% of Americans in therapy surveyed by Verywell believe it’s a good investment, Ninety-one percent are satisfied with the quality of care they are receiving, and nearly 80% think therapy plays a major role in helping them achieve their mental health goals.

Setting Goals and Finding Alignment

One of the key aspects that has recently been resonating with me in therapy was the focus on setting goals and objectives for our sessions. This goal-oriented approach provided me with a sense of direction and purpose, allowing me to delve into specific areas of my life that required attention and growth.

By working with a therapist who understood my professional and personal context, I felt supported in exploring deep-rooted beliefs and values, such as deconstructing religion and rebuilding my faith.

Tools for Transformation

A significant aspect of my therapy experience was the emphasis on practical tools and exercises to facilitate healing and growth. My therapist not only guided me through introspective conversations but also provided tangible tools to navigate challenges and make informed decisions.

From homework assignments to EMDR therapy sessions, each tool served as a stepping stone towards self-awareness and emotional healing. Speaking of EMDR…

What Is EMDR?

According to The EMDR Institute, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy treatment that is designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. There has been so much research on EMDR therapy that it is now recognized as an effective form of treatment for trauma by organizations such as the American Psychiatric Association, the World Health Organization and the Department of Defense!

The basic idea behind EMDR is that traumatic experiences can become “stuck” in the brain, causing distressing symptoms and even impacting daily functioning. EMDR aims to help individuals process these experiences in a way that reduces their emotional intensity and allows them to integrate them more effectively into their lives.

I’ve been doing it once a month and it’s been really incredible. I remember the first day I did it, I was nervous and didn’t know what to expect and my best friend had said, “Just go all in on it. Even if you don’t think it’s working, just try and don’t judge yourself.” I can definitely tell that it’s helping. 

Richer Conversations and Deeper Connections

Therapy has not only impacted my personal growth but surprisingly it’s also enriched my relationships and conversations with loved ones. By integrating insights from therapy into my interactions, I found a deeper level of understanding and vulnerability in my conversations.

From discussing generational patterns with my parents to sharing insights with friends, therapy became a catalyst for meaningful connections and profound conversations.

Embracing the Journey of Healing and Growth

As you can probably tell, my experience with therapy has been a profound journey of healing, growth, and self-discovery. Through setting goals, embracing tools for transformation, and fostering deeper connections, therapy has become a cornerstone of my personal development.

As I continue to navigate the complexities of life and entrepreneurship, I am committed to embracing the journey of healing and growth with courage and vulnerability, and I am grateful I can share my self-discoveries with you!

I hope this reflection on my therapy journey inspires you to consider the power of therapy in your own life and the transformative potential it holds!

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