I frequently meet clients who come to me feeling “forced” to seek help—often due to legal troubles or failures in personal relationships. The challenge is that they don’t arrive in therapy with a genuine desire to change; rather, they come because they have been told they should. This often leads to fear, reluctance to share, and a belief that their therapist will be quick to assign blame.
To counter this, I typically spend a significant portion of our first session assuring clients that my role is not to point fingers. I strive to create a safe space where they can discuss anything on their minds, not just the reasons that have brought them to therapy. This nurturing environment empowers many clients to explore the real roots of their behavior without shame. When shame is lifted, they are often ready to take accountability, discovering that there is true freedom in owning their actions.
Many of my clients, particularly those who start therapy through the court system, choose to continue even after their probation ends, as they recognize the transformative impact that therapy can have on their lives. I invite you to embark on the journey of therapy, even if you feel compelled to do so. You might be surprised at the positive changes that await you.