Lake Oswego continues to be one of Oregon's most desirable suburban cities. And while Lake Oswego is an amazing place to live, the truth is, life brings its challenges no matter where we live— job changes, creating a family, balancing career and family, grief, and anxiety to name a few.   And you might have decided that you needed support from a counselor to help you navigate these challenges, and have maybe even found a few therapists that you could picture yourself working with. Here are a few truths that I want you to know about therapy and counseling to help you on your journey.

Truth 1: Therapy Is a Safe Space to Explore and Address Your Concerns

Finding a therapist that you feel comfortable with will allow you to slowly and safely open up regarding your thoughts and feelings, as well as your hopes for your future. Everything is 100% confidential, meaning a therapist will never share information about you, of course unless someone is in danger of harm. That means being emotionally safe to open up is a number one goal. This way you can settle in and with openness and connection, you and your therapist can collaborate to address anything you feel important.

Truth 2: Effective Therapy Can Be Tailored to Your Unique Needs and Goals

Therapy is customized to fit each client’s specific needs, whether for individual issues, couples counseling, or managing ADHD. As your therapist gets to know you and learns about your history, they work with you to create a plan that is tailored specifically to you, taking into account your personality, your strengths and struggles, and what you want in the near future. That’s the beauty of working one on one, or in couples therapy — you get personalized approaches that truly help you move in the direction you want to go!

Truth 3: Therapy Is a Collaborative Process Between You and Your Therapist

One thing that is often misunderstood about therapy, is that your therapist will give you answers or advice, or on the opposite end, will just sit and listen and not offer much of anything. Neither are true! Therapists are trained to help you find your motivations, strengths, struggles, and your desires for your life—and take their knowledge about human development, communication, coping, motivation, and such to collaboratively discover how you want to move forward. Together you can attack your anxiety, smooth your communication, or balance your work with your personal life, or conquer your depression.

Truth 4: Seeking Therapy Shows Strength and Commitment to Personal Growth

Going to therapy takes guts, I understand! But seeking help and support is a proactive and courageous way to personally develop. Our parents didn’t teach us everything, so learning about yourself is truly an investment in you and your life. And our growth helps our families and our communities as well.

Truth 5: Therapy Can Improve Communication and Strengthen Relationships

Learning to communicate in a more effective way is the best way to strengthen your relationships! That includes you and your partner, with your friends, parents, siblings, and even your children. Understanding yourself better allows you to communicate your needs in a whole new way! The result is healthier relationships.

You deserve support from someone who can deeply help you. Therapy isn’t just for chatting weekly, it is about reaching your goals and getting real support. I hope this helps you find the right therapist or counselor in Lake Oswego who can help you reach your goals. You deserve to get healing and support. 

If I can be of additional help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me here or susan@heartwise-counseling.com