I once heard someone liken choosing a therapist to picking out a car. You have to know what kind of car you want and even take a test drive or two to judge if it’s a good fit. I encourage you to do the same in your search for a mental health provider. Every therapist is not for everyone. Although we have similar educations and attend the same training, we do not all practice the same. That is not only OK, it's expected. Sure we all follow the same ethical and legal guidelines but we are as different as the chairs we sit in. In school, they called this the “Use of Self.” We use our individual personalities, experiences and insights in our work. I believe this is what makes therapy not only effective but magical. 

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A dirty little not-so-secret secret of how therapy “works” is that the relationship itself between the client and the therapist IS the secret sauce. Do you like one another? Do you respect one another? Do you feel your therapist “gets” you? It's in that connection of really feeling heard and seen by the other which lays the foundation for change, growth and healing. 

 

I’m the first to say I won’t get everyone, and everyone will certainly not get me. My silly (corny) sense of humor, or overuse of metaphors and style may not serve you. But that is certainly OK. I hope you find someone that is the right match and suits you and your needs. 

 

In my chair, you'll find a therapist who is sensitive to the fact that it might have taken a ton of courage to enter the room. A therapist who is interested in your story. A therapist committed to joining you where you are right now in your struggles. Most importantly I'm ready to help you get to where you'd like to be. On the days I don't see you, I'm thinking of you. I might be rereading notes of our time together, researching, or learning new tools that could benefit you. Becoming a better me for you, my client.

 

I will never forget when another therapist said “They can pay you for your craft but can’t pay you to care.”

Most therapists genuinely care. I care. I’m invested in your well-being, betterment and want to find meaning in your life and relief from pain.  I find meaning in mine with the honor of joining you, from the chair across the room, corny humor and all.

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Onward, 

Mandy