What Might be Holding You Back From Therapy?

Many people hesitate about therapy. Some still feel that getting help for marital or even individual problems, is a sign of weakness. They may tell themselves that their problems are their business, that they should be able to fix things themselves. This is selling themselves short. Recognizing when a relationship needs help takes insight, but why should “fixing” it be all on the shoulders of one or two people? Reaching out for help isn’t a weakness, it is a sign of strength and responsibility. 

Teal and orange motivational therapy quote "Taking steps to improve yourself or strengthen relationships should be celebrated not scorned."

Some may fear the judgment of friends and family. Will their family get angry or call them crazy? Will their friends look down on them? It can be hard to set aside those fears, but taking steps to improve yourself or strengthen your relationships should be celebrated not scorned.

Others abhor becoming vulnerable to a stranger (the therapist). They may worry about embarrassment. I can’t help but wonder how they picture the therapist. When I was a student in college for psychology, it was understood that therapists should have therapy, so they would know what it was like to be a client receiving counseling. 

Relationship Counseling and Autism

I am a therapist who specializes in counseling autistic and neurodiverse relationships. 

Counseling for those who love someone with autism is not the same as counseling for a relationship with someone with mental illness. High functioning autism is not a mental illness and it therefore cannot be cured.

 Although this is not a simple matter, in these relationships one person has different wiring. One way to think of it is like two different operating systems, like IOS and Android. We know those two systems can communicate, but bridges need to be built and connections made. These are practical matters which can be taught.

We don’t believe that you, or your partner are broken or ill. It is our job to help you not judge you. I provide an open discussion of your reservations about counseling. With my help we can address the challenges you and your partner face, where you both need support, and how to have a better future.