Top 3 Myths about Counseling in Modesto CA
What are the top 3 myths about Counseling in Modesto CA? This may be the first or the hundredth time you are thinking about counseling services. You have come up with many reasons that have prevented you from taking that next step. You may have even done some searches and found a couple of people that may be a good enough fit, but you still have some questions in the back of your mind.
Common Myths about Therapy in Modesto CA
1) “I can only go to therapy if there is something seriously wrong.” Yes, I have heard those exact words. The idea is that your entire world and you must be falling apart before you can seek some help.
Truth: People seek counseling services for a wide range of reasons. It is actually really common to seek counseling services to get to know and understand yourself better, to have a safe space that is your own to check in, or to cultivate self-compassion. An analogy that comes to mind is if you see a small fire beginning at home, would you wait until the whole home is engulfed in flames? More likely than not, we would say, let’s put out this fire now rather than wait for it to get bigger.
In my counseling practice, I have the opportunity to work with clients who are navigating anxiety issues, grief, and resentment, to “I feel lost” and “I want to understand who I am and what I want.” The transformations are immense and profound, and the idea of whether the “something” that brought that person in was big or not is no longer part of the picture.
2) “I don’t have the time.” We can all probably recall a time when this thought of, “I don’t have the time”, come up. Then we can probably recall times when this statement felt true and others when it was an excuse to allow us to get out of something.
Truth: Sometimes there are other reasons behind the idea or even excuses of “I don’t have the time.” It can be overwhelming, and scary, to step into something new. Sometimes making the time for something such as therapy needs to become a priority. We prioritize so many different tasks, things, and people in life, you should be a priority. Making therapy a priority to have time may mean pausing other things to create the time.
Along the lines of “I don’t have the time” is this common question, “How long will this take?” The truth is I can’t give an exact time or number of sessions. Why? Because you are a unique individual, your needs are unique, how you process is unique to you, and as therapy is happening so is life, and often other areas to chat about come up. There is such a range in the duration of therapy. On average I see clients for 5 months, others a year, and others 2 years or more. Some clients enjoy and get so much out of their participation in therapy that they make therapy a part of their life, knowing it is something they will return to.
3. “A stranger can’t help me. How can they understand?” The idea of talking with someone about your personal life can feel at first awkward and foreign. You may feel this person will not be able to understand my situation.
Truth: In my experience with clients, this feeling of awkwardness doesn’t last long, if at all. Why? Because together we cultivate a safe space to explore your life. Also, it is important to keep in mind that when trying something new, there is a natural sense of nervousness. Sometimes, this feeling is present in the initial consultation call and initial session.
When it comes feeling understoodAn analogy may be helpful: Do you feel that an oncologist needs to experience every type of cancer to be able to help patients? Could we say that the oncologist’s education and ongoing training best prepared this person to help patients? As a therapist, I acknowledge and honor that each individual is the expert in their life; we create a connection and understanding through our safe environment and relationship to do amazing work.
Bring up what you are feeling and thinking to your therapist this can be such an awesome exploration and discussion. You may also find out that perhaps this specific therapist isn’t the best fit. That is totally okay - there are more therapists available. Sometimes, it takes time to find the right fit.
I hope you feel more comfortable and confident in seeking the help you need and want. I invite you to find the right therapist for Counseling in Modesto CA.
Schedule your Consultation for Counseling in Modesto CA
If you are looking for help with or looking for an anxiety therapist, grief, couples counseling, or marriage counseling I am here to help. If you have questions or are wondering if we could be a good fit for Counseling in Modesto CA, schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation. Let’s chat. Learn more about what to expect from therapy in Modesto CA.
Feel confident as you move forward in your journey and learn more about Therapy in Modesto CA and Laura Garcia LMFT. If you are looking for help finding an Anxiety Therapist, Grief Counseling, Marriage Counseling, or Couples Therapy, don’t worry—I've got that covered. Commonly asked questions about the process and what it is like to work with a Therapist in Modesto have been answered. Searching for a Spanish-speaking therapist in Modesto? Learn more about Laura Garcia LMFT, your Spanish-speaking Modesto Therapist.
About the Author
Laura Garcia is a licensed marriage and family therapist providing in-person therapy in Modesto, CA, and online Therapy throughout California for adults. She provides services in English and Spanish. Laura focuses on providing care and support for Anxiety therapy, Grief Therapy, Marriage Counseling, and Couples Counseling. Her practice is founded on creating a safe space with compassion, support, and accountability. A space that empowers you on your journey of self-exploration, insight, awareness, understanding, and healing. Understanding who you are as a human being and growing personally is a lifelong journey with different chapters. If you’d like support, schedule your consultation today.
