Common Barriers to Starting Therapy

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It’s completely normal for starting therapy to bring up doubt, fears, or hesitation. Below are some common concerns people have about beginning psychodynamic counselling with a few suggestions to reflect on.
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Six Common Concerns:​
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“Isn’t asking for help a sign of weakness?”​​​​​​​
Asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s self-awareness. Noticing something isn’t right and wanting to understand it takes courage. Feeling emotionally overwhelmed isn’t a flaw—it’s human. Seeking therapy is an act of self-respect, not failure.
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“Will I be wasting your time?”​
Many worry their problems aren’t “serious enough” or that someone else “deserves help more.” But there’s no hierarchy of suffering. If it matters to you, it’s worth exploring. This fear might point to a deeper belief—that your needs don’t count.  That’s something we can explore together.
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​​​​​“I don’t know if I can trust a therapist”​​​​​​
You don’t need to trust me right away. Trust builds over time. A therapeutic relationship develops gradually. You might notice feelings from past relationships showing up here — this is a natural part of the process, and something we can work with together.
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“I’ve tried therapy before and it didn’t help”​
It’s understandable to feel hesitant after a bad experience. You might feel angry, disappointed, or even blame yourself. But therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different therapists work in different ways, and finding the right fit can make a significant difference.
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​​“I need everything to be perfect”​​​​​
There’s no pressure to have it all figured out. Therapy isn’t a performance. It’s a space to slow down, reflect, and allow understanding to emerge. “Good enough” isn’t settling—it’s real. And your need for perfection? That can be part of what we explore.
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​“Someone else wants me to go, not me”​
Therapy works best when it’s your choice. If you’re coming because a partner, parent, or friend pushed you, it can lead to resentment. This is your space—your feelings, your goals. Ask yourself: What do I struggle with? What matters to me?
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If you’re feeling hesitant, a free consultation gives you space to ask questions and see whether working together feels right.
To learn more about how it works, get to know me, or arrange your first meeting, click the links below.