* You deserve to be happy.  Happiness is not reserved for special people.  Everyone has regrets, things we wish we never would have done, people we've hurt along the way, people who have hurt us either intentionally or unintentionally.  We can heal our wounds and step into happiness.  

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* I don’t think you’re crazy. None of us are perfect and I don’t expect you to be, effective change usually requires trial and lots of errors. It means you’re trying! 

 

* Trust is everything.  Your ability to connect with me will be the number one factor determining how well we work together.  If you don't feel like you click with me after a few sessions, it's OK to let me know and seek out a different therapist. 

 

* My job is not to psychoanalyze you.  My job is to be curious and to help you gain more understanding. When it comes to getting answers and more understanding, we will form hypotheses together and you will come to your own conclusions.

 

* I'm not here to give you advice.  I'm here to share my knowledge with you and help you make your own decisions that are balanced, rational, and well explored.  Strengthening your own reasoning and decision-making skills will increase your independence and self-esteem.  

 

* Work through your emotions with me instead of quitting, anger included.  Therapy is the perfect place to learn how to express your feelings.  That's what I'm here for, to give you a space to try out new ways of being, thinking, and feeling. Take advantage of this. 

 

* I expect you to slide backward to old behavior patterns and I'm not here to judge you.  Most people judge themselves enough for at least two people.  Relapse is VERY common and it's nothing to be ashamed of. 

 

* I can't "fix" your life or your problems.  Only you can.  It takes work, but if you're up for the challenge, I'll be there every step of the way!

 

* The quickest way from point A to point B is action.  If you continue to come to therapy without putting any new behaviors or thoughts into action, progress will be a slow process for you.  The path to action is different for everyone, but if you never do anything different, you'll never get a different result.  

 

* I want you to have the life you want.  There is nothing I want more for you than for you to bring your dreams into reality, push through your fears, and have the life you want. 

 

Find someone you trust and who puts you at ease. The relationship you build with your therapist is the most important aspect of all.