How to Tell If You Need Therapy, and What to Expect When You Start

There’s no flashing neon sign that tells you when it’s time to talk to a therapist. More often, it starts as a whisper, something just feels off. Maybe you’ve been carrying a heaviness that won’t go away, struggling with anxiety that’s creeping into your daily life, or noticing that your usual ways of coping just aren’t working anymore. Therapy isn't only for those in crisis. It’s for anyone who wants to feel better, grow stronger, or gain clarity.

Many people wrestle with the decision to seek therapy because they believe their problems aren’t “bad enough” or that they should be able to handle things on their own. But therapy isn't about being broken. It's about being human. It’s a space where you get to show up as you are, without judgment or pressure, and begin the work of understanding yourself more deeply.

So how do you know it might be time to talk to someone?

If you're feeling persistently overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or stuck in patterns you can’t break, therapy may help. If your relationships are suffering, your sleep is disrupted, or your motivation has dipped, these can also be signs that something deeper is going on. Even high-functioning individuals, those who appear to have it all together, can benefit from the support of a trained therapist. I'll hold your hands as I say this, Mental health doesn't discriminate, and neither should our care for it.

Beginning therapy often feels intimidating, especially if you've never done it before. The first session is typically a gentle introduction. You won’t be asked to spill your deepest secrets right away. Instead, your therapist will likely ask questions to get to know you, what brings you in, what you hope to get out of therapy, and a bit about your history. Think of it as a conversation, not an interrogation.

From there, therapy becomes a collaborative process. You set the pace. You define the goals. And as trust builds, so does the opportunity for real transformation. Some sessions might feel light, others heavy. Some weeks, you might leave with clarity; other weeks, with questions you didn’t even know you needed to ask. That’s all part of the journey.

It’s also important to know that finding the right therapist is a bit like dating. Sometimes it clicks right away. Other times, you may need to try a different approach or personality. That doesn’t mean therapy “didn’t work.” It just means you’re learning what kind of support best fits you, and that’s valuable, too.

At Infinite Solutions Counseling, we believe therapy should be accessible, affirming, and empowering. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, healing from trauma, working through relationship challenges, or simply trying to become the best version of yourself, we’re here to walk alongside you.

You don’t need to have it all figured out before you start. You just need to be willing to begin.