How a Simple Natter Can Start Big Changes
Starting therapy can feel like standing at the edge of a cold swimming pool. You know the water might feel good once you’re in, but the thought of that first step makes you hesitate. Let’s be honest, beginning the work of healing isn’t always comfortable. The first hurdle is admitting something doesn’t feel quite right. That takes courage. And in 2025, we’re still carrying the outdated belief that we need to “keep up with the Joneses” (An old idiom for the pressure to match society’s expectations around lifestyle, appearance, and success). The difference now? Social media has amplified those pressures, creating constant comparisons. Stepping away from that “pack mentality” to seek something deeper and more fulfilling is not a sign of weakness - it’s an act of strength. You’re not broken! In fact, recognising that you want more for yourself is the very first step towards meaningful change
Facing Difficult Emotions Without Fear
One of the most common concerns people have before starting therapy is the fear of facing painful feelings. And yes, therapy can bring up tough emotions. In fact, research shows that emotional discomfort can be part of the process that leads to growth. Some worry they might feel overwhelmed, but therapy is designed to help you develop the skills to manage those emotions. Hope, for example, isn’t just an abstract idea; Snyder’s Hope Theory (2002) describes it as a mix of having meaningful goals and the pathways and motivation to reach them. If life has felt hopeless, therapy can help you rediscover or create a life where hope is possible and welcomed.
Will It Even Work?
Another concern is whether therapy will be effective at all. Sometimes people expect quick results, or they fear that nothing will change. It’s worth remembering that therapy is a collaborative process, where the relationship between you and your therapist plays a significant role in outcomes. Positive change isn’t always immediate, but small steps accumulate over time. The more openly you engage in the process, even if that means starting with something as simple as an honest natter, the more likely you are to experience shifts that matter to you.
Starting Is the Hardest Part
Choosing to begin therapy is often the bravest step you can take. The good news? You don’t have to leap straight into the deep end. We can start with conversation - casual, curious, and without pressure - and move at a pace that feels right for you. From there, significant changes can emerge in small, manageable moments.