As an Integrative Therapist, I've come to understand the difficult process many clients engage in before they finally reach out for support, as they are filled with hesitations, doubts, and sometimes, a fear of the unknown.
Many of my clients have deliberated therapy sessions long before taking that brave step towards seeking professional help.
Holding back is a common response, and it's often rooted in a protective mechanism. There's this underlying belief that by discussing their struggles, they might inadvertently unleash a floodgate of emotions, leading to a sense of vulnerability and loss of control. It often accompanies persistent ruminating and conflicting thoughts;
"If I just keep busy and try to think more positively, all will be fine."
The truth is that seeking help is undoubtedly challenging, and for some clients, feelings can be heightened, particularly in the early sessions of therapy, but with the guidance of a trained therapist, clients can feel safe, supported and not alone as they move through their discomfort and distress in a way that shifts the depth and experience of their pain.
Through my experience, I've witnessed the incredible catharsis clients experience as they open up, release and decompress in their sessions, and they often discover that beneath the layers of hurt, sadness, anger, and fear lies a deeper vulnerability waiting to be acknowledged and embraced. Moving into these deeper layers together, clients can begin to process and heal feelings of loss, pain, grief, regret, or trauma, paving the way for a journey towards peace and joy.
Fundamentally, it is about being in a compassionate, therapeutic space with a therapist they feel safe to open up. Integrative Therapists like myself understand the best approaches for each client's requirements so that they can strengthen and build their resilience with valuable resources, such as those that bring balance and enable clients to better self-regulate their nervous system, in the face of adversity or for those affected by past trauma.
It's an important reminder to everyone that reaching out for help is an act of bravery, not weakness. It takes courage to confront our innermost struggles and vulnerabilities, and by doing so, we open ourselves up to the possibility of deeper healing and growth.
So, to anyone out there who may be hesitating to take that first step towards seeking support, please remember that you're not alone. Your journey towards healing begins with a single step.
Warm Regards,
Melanie