Therapy Near You? How Do I Start?

You did it! You made it through the holidays and into a brand new year.

And now… what?

If you’ve found yourself Googling “therapy near me” or “how to start therapy,” pause for a moment.

That search alone tells a story. Something inside of you is asking for support, safety, or relief.

That part of you matters.

Let’s clear something up right away: starting therapy does not mean something is wrong with you.

More often, it means you’ve been carrying a lot on your own for a very long time and you’re not sure how to let go of what no longer serves you.

January the pressure is real. It often comes with an unspoken expectation to “get our shit together.”

New goals. New plans. New versions of ourselves.

Instead of resting after the emotional exhaustion of the holidays, many of us jump straight into pressure mode. That pressure can actually increase anxiety and leave us feeling disappointed before we’ve even begun.

At the same time, January can bring a sense of new beginnings and with that, old grief, unresolved emotions, or a deep knowing that something needs to change. Many people don’t know exactly what they need, they just know they’re ready for some kind of release. That’s often where therapy begins.

Finding a therapist shouldn't just be about availability.

For many people, the first step is simply finding someone who takes their insurance and has an opening. That makes sense.

And yes — it can be that simple.

But therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Finding the right therapist for you matters.

I often explain it like this: You could go to any general doctor and they might be able to assess or diagnose you. But that doesn’t mean they’re the best person to treat your specific condition.

If you broke your leg, you’d go to the emergency room. A doctor would assess it, take X-rays, and stabilize you. But they’d likely refer you to an orthopedic specialist, someone who has studied and treated broken legs extensively.

And if that ER doctor sent you to an optometrist for your broken leg? I hope you’d run far, far the other way.

Therapy works the same.

Therapists, like doctors, receive general training. But ethical, effective therapy requires knowing what one specializes in and what they don’t.

A therapist should be assessing your symptoms, listening closely to your experiences, and collaborating with you on what you want out of therapy. Not every therapist is meant to treat every diagnosis and it’s actually unethical for a therapist to pretend otherwise just to keep someone in their chair.

You deserve care from someone who truly understands what you’re experiencing.

Ask questions - you're allowed to!

Most therapists offer a free consultation. This is your time to ask questions.

Ask about:

• Their experience with what you're going through

• The approaches or interventions they use

• How these approaches will better support your healing

If a therapist isn't open to these questions or you feel rushed, pressured or dismissed, it's okay to keep looking.

Also, pay attention to how you feel after:

• Reading their website

• Exchanging emails

• Talking with them

If you feel more shame or pressure afterward, it may not be the right fit. Therapy should feel grounding, not overwhelming.

Final thoughts.

You don't have to fix anything.

You are not broken.

You have symptoms that deserve support.

You don't have to wait for things to fall apart before reaching out.

You deserve to feel safe and calmer in the presence of a therapist and if you don't, it's okay to find another space.

You don't have to do this alone. Ask friends or colleagues for referrals. Some of the best therapists are found through word of mouth.

If you are ready to take the first step, I invite you to reach out and begin a conversation.

No pressure.

No expectations.

Just a starting place.

Happy 2026! Here's to a new year, full of new energy that motivates you and inspires you to find your own inner light. Whatever that may be.