When I was in search of a therapist for the first time, I wondered about endless things: What is CBT, DBT and psychodynamic theory, and am I expected to understand it all? How do I know what's right for me? Am I supposed to do all the talking? Is there a couch? More than anything, I wanted to know what my therapist and I would be doing in sessions and how therapy can help. It was all a mystery to me. In its purest form, the therapeutic process empowers you to externalize your true self, with guidance, without judgment, to explore your pain, possible futures, and ways of connecting to yourself and those around you. If you think about it, how often do you get the space and time to think out loud; to say precisely how you feel, to be objectively heard, and to finally have a voice that will be listened to and taken seriously? I will ask you questions about your past, your relationships, and your values to better understand you. I will also reflect on the key aspects of your story, allowing you plenty of space to ponder these themes from a novel perspective. Sometimes, I will challenge you, and this may be uncomfortable. Getting help can feel overwhelming. Embracing change can feel unfamiliar and challenging. However, the benefits that await are certainly worth it. Feel free to reach out to me at: Catherine.matejcek@gmail.com