If you’ve ever scrolled through a directory of therapists, you know it can feel overwhelming. Each therapist typically lists their credentials, specializations, and styles of therapy. Whether you’re familiar with this jargon or not, deciding who to reach out to can feel daunting. You might think you need to find the perfect match on paper before taking that first step of reaching out. It’s natural to feel unsure, especially when you can’t tell if there will be a solid connection from a directory listing or a website.

What could be helpful to know is that one of the most vital parts of your healing journey isn’t the therapist’s credentials, it’s the relationship you build while you’re working together. While techniques and theories matter, it is the human connection between you and your therapist that gives you the courage to explore challenging and difficult parts of your life.

You might wonder if the specific type of therapy (like CBT, IFS, or psychodynamic) is most important. While this has some relevance, research shows that what matters much more is again, that human connection. It’s important to find a therapist you can trust, feel safe with, and who you feel truly sees and understands your perspective. This is what helps you heal and grow.

It takes courage to make the decision to reach out to a new therapist, and to be willing to take the risk of connecting with this person.

Finding the right therapist can take a little time. Trust yourself. If something feels off during the initial phone consultation, or even during the first two to three sessions, it’s okay to look for someone else. The effort is worth it. When you do find the right connection, therapy can become a truly transformative and nurturing experience.
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Ready to take the next step? Contact me to schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation to see whether working together could be a good fit.
 
References:
Flückiger, C., Del Re, A. C., Wampold, B. E., & Horvath, A. O. (2018, May 24). The alliance in adult psychotherapy: A meta-analytic synthesis. Psychotherapy. Advance online publication. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/pst0000172
Norcross, J. C., & Lambert, M. J. (2018). Psychotherapy relationships that work III. Psychotherapy, 55(4), 303–315.
Wampold, B. E., & Imel, Z. E. (2015). The great psychotherapy debate: The evidence for what makes psychotherapy work (2nd ed.). Routledge.

There are so many podcasts to choose from. It’s tough to know which ones are worth a listen. I’ll be honest here: I’m not a daily or even a weekly podcast listener. Over the years, however, I’ve discovered several podcasts that I keep coming back to again and again for thought-provoking, useful, and heart-touching insights.
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Here’s my partial list (in no order of preference):

​-All There Is with Anderson Cooper: This is a podcast Mr. Cooper launched several years ago, after the death of his mother. He shares his own grief process and journey, while also hosting vulnerable and beautiful conversations with various guests along the way. Death and loss touches each of us. This podcast normalizes this universal experience that many carry alone.
 
-The Midlife Feast:  Amidst so much new, added (and often unhelpful) noise, Jenn Salib Huber, a registered dietician, hosts needed conversations for women in midlife. She also answers listener questions and offers lots of resources. This is a solid listen.
 
-Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson: This podcast features Forrest Hanson and often his dad, Dr. Rick Hanson, as they explore various topics under the umbrella of “mental health.” Dr. Hanson is a neuroscientist, psychologist and a meditation practitioner.  This podcast weaves together science, evidence, and gentle compassion.
 
-Dharmaseed: If you’re interested in Buddhism, particularly the Vipassana lineage, there are hundreds of dharma talks and guided meditation practices available here. They are offered by various teachers, both lay and ordained.
 
These podcasts may offer some insights as you navigate difficulties in your life. None of them is a substitute for medical or mental health care. Not every episode will resonate with you, and some may stir unexpected reactions.
It is important to pay attention to how you’re impacted by the content you take in. Learning to be more attuned to yourself may not feel easy or straightforward. Therapy can help with this.

Please reach out. Let's talk and see whether I may be of support to you: olgarocklin@gmail.com, or fill out the contact form here.

A few ideas for when to practice this:

• Before looking at a text message or an email
• When you arrive at a destination and before you go in
• After an activating conversation (verbal or text)
• Before you fall asleep or just after you wake up
• Before a meal
• Before or after a meeting

It can feel beneficial to practice this regularly: once a day, once an hour, or when you remember. Pausing helps our nervous systems reset a bit.
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Sometimes, pausing allows us to recognize that we could benefit from some consistent support. If you feel like this is you, please contact me: olgarocklin@gmail.com, and we can discuss whether working together could be worthwhile.

My intention in these posts is to share thoughts, themes, tips, and practices that you can incorporate into your days. These are gentle invitations to pause, notice, and proceed with care. 
When you’re ready to explore how therapy can be of benefit to you in your life, please reach out, either by email: olgarocklin@gmail.com or through the contact form on the site.

Thank you for being here.
​Thank you for reading.