by Sara Fischer Sanford, LCSW
Hi there —
If you’ve found your way here, maybe you’re wondering what mental health therapy is really like… or maybe you’re considering whether it’s something you might need. Either way, I’m so glad you’re here.
I know that reaching out for help can sometimes feel overwhelming. Maybe you’re thinking, “Is what I’m going through even serious enough?” or “What if I don’t even know where to start?”
I want to reassure you: therapy isn’t only for crises. It’s for growth, healing, and creating a life that feels more manageable and meaningful. It’s for everyone — and yes, that includes you.
What Mental Health Therapy Actually Is
In the simplest terms, therapy is a safe, confidential space where you can talk about what’s going on in your life — the good, the bad, and everything in between — with someone who’s trained to help you make sense of it all.
As a therapist, my role isn’t to “fix” you. (Spoiler: You’re not broken.)
It’s to walk beside you, help you explore patterns, offer tools and support, and sometimes gently challenge you to see things in a new way.
Sometimes therapy is about healing old wounds.
Sometimes it’s about learning new coping skills.
And sometimes, it’s just having a space that’s truly yours — a rare thing in today’s noisy, fast-paced world.
What Happens in a Therapy Session?
If you’ve never been to therapy before, it might feel a little mysterious. Let’s take some of that mystery out of it:
- You talk about what’s on your mind. Some days that might be something specific (like a rough week at work), and other days it might be more general (like feeling stuck or lost).
- We work together to understand what’s underneath. Emotions, patterns, old narratives you might not even realize you’re carrying.
- I offer reflections, questions, strategies, and support. You always get to decide what feels right for you. Therapy isn’t a lecture — it’s a collaboration.
There’s no “right” way to do therapy. You don’t have to prepare a speech. You don’t have to be perfect.
You just have to show up as you are — messy, confused, curious, hopeful, tired — all of it is welcome.
(And yes, there are tissues in my office, but I promise crying isn’t mandatory.)
Common Reasons People Start Therapy
People come to therapy for so many reasons, and all of them are valid.
Here are just a few examples:
- Anxiety — feeling like your mind is constantly racing or you’re always bracing for something bad to happen
- Depression — struggling with motivation, energy, or finding joy in things you used to love
- Life transitions — new jobs, moves, relationships beginning or ending, becoming a parent, retirement
- Grief and loss — death of a loved one, loss of a dream, or any big life change
- Relationship challenges — whether romantic, family, work, or friendships
- Self-esteem and self-worth issues — feeling “not good enough” or stuck in cycles of self-criticism
- Trauma — whether recent or long ago, whether “big” or “small”
Some of my clients come because something just feels “off” — they can’t quite name it, but they know they’re not feeling like themselves.
If that’s you, trust that inner voice. You don’t need a perfectly packaged reason to seek support.
Is Therapy Always Deep and Serious?
Not always!
Of course, sometimes we dive deep into big emotions, and sometimes there are tears. But I also believe in laughter, lightness, and celebrating the small wins along the way.
One of my clients once said, “I didn’t expect therapy to include laughing about my terrible first date stories.” But honestly, joy and humor are healing too.
Therapy can hold the full range of your humanity — not just your struggles, but your strengths, your quirks, and your dreams.
Common Myths About Therapy
Before we go further, let’s bust a few myths you might have heard:
1. “Therapy is only for people who are seriously mentally ill.”
Nope. Therapy is for humans. Full stop.
2. “If I go to therapy, it means I’m weak.”
Actually, asking for help is one of the bravest things you can do.
3. “A therapist will just tell me what to do.”
Good therapy isn’t about advice-giving. It’s about helping you connect with your own wisdom and make choices that align with who you are.
4. “If I start therapy, I’ll be in it forever.”
Therapy isn’t a life sentence. Some people come for a few sessions to work through something specific. Others stay longer because they find ongoing support valuable.
It’s always your choice.
How to Know If Therapy Might Help You
One of the most common questions people ask me is, “How do I know if I actually need therapy?”
Here’s my honest answer:
If you’re even wondering about it, there’s a good chance you could benefit from talking to someone.
You don’t need to be in crisis.
You don’t need to have everything figured out.
You just need a willingness to be curious about yourself — about your feelings, your needs, your patterns, and your hopes.
Here are a few signs therapy might be helpful:
- You feel overwhelmed more often than not.
- You’re tired of pretending you’re “fine” when you’re not.
- You notice the same problems or struggles popping up in different parts of your life.
- You crave a space where you can speak freely without worrying about being judged.
- You want to grow, heal, or simply feel more like yourself again.
If any of that resonates, you’re not alone.
Therapy can offer you a soft landing place — and sometimes, a launching pad too.
What to Expect Emotionally (Spoiler: It’s Not Always a Straight Line)
I wish I could tell you that therapy is always smooth sailing.
The truth? Healing and growth are messy. And that’s okay.
You might feel better after your first session… or you might feel a little raw, like you opened a door that had been shut for a long time.
You might have sessions where you feel powerful and clear — and others where you feel tired or even frustrated.
This is all normal. Growth isn’t a straight line. It’s a winding path with ups, downs, and a lot of courage along the way.
And when those harder moments come, you won’t be facing them alone. That’s part of what we do together.
How I Approach Therapy (A Little About Me)
Since you’re reading this, you might be wondering what it’s like to work with me specifically.
I thought I’d share a little about my approach, because finding the right “fit” in a therapist is so important.
I believe in meeting you exactly where you are.
You don’t have to be “ready” or have perfect words to explain what’s going on. You just have to show up, and we’ll figure it out together.
I blend evidence-based practices with heart.
That means I use real, research-backed strategies (like cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, or somatic techniques), but I also deeply believe in the healing power of relationship, authenticity, and warmth.
I’m direct, but kind.
I’ll always be honest with you — but I’ll never be harsh or judgmental. Growth happens when we feel safe, not when we feel shamed.
I honor your pace.
There’s no rush, no pressure. Whether you want to dive deep right away or take your time, it’s your journey.
Oh, and I’m human too. I’ll never pretend otherwise.
Sometimes that means bringing in a little humor. Sometimes it means sharing a personal story if it might help you feel less alone. Always, it means being real with you.
Finding the Right Therapist for You
Even though I love this work, I’m the first to say: not every therapist is the right therapist for every person.
And that’s okay! Therapy is personal. Chemistry matters.
When looking for a therapist, I encourage you to ask yourself:
- Do I feel safe with this person?
- Do I feel seen and respected?
- Can I imagine being honest with them, even about hard things?
- Do they listen more than they lecture?
Sometimes it takes a few tries to find the right fit. Please don’t give up. You deserve a therapist who feels like a true ally, not just a professional sitting across the room.
Final Words of Encouragement
If you’re still reading, maybe something inside you is whispering (or maybe shouting), “Maybe it’s time.”
If so, I just want to say:
You are brave.
You are not alone.
You are worthy of support, healing, and hope.
Whether you end up working with me or someone else, I hope you find a therapist who makes you feel empowered, not broken; seen, not judged; supported, not pushed.f
Taking the first step is the hardest part — but it’s also the start of something beautiful.
You deserve that.
And if you ever want to reach out, my door is open. 🌿
Thinking about therapy? Let’s talk. I offer consultations where it’s just you and me, exploring whether it feels like the right fit. Connect with me here