First Steps

BIG NEWS! I’ve just opened up the scheduling system for Ebb & Flow Counseling to start taking my first clients on October 9th. I am feeling a wash of excitement and anxiety. I have been creating social media pages despite not being that into social media but I also know that I live in a time where people connect through the internet. It’s not that I don’t like social media, I find at times it can inhibit us all from developing relationships in person. However, I also think that it’s a great tool to find resources and services. Therefore, I am becoming more visible and increasing my presence to the world of the internet! Making these websites and social media accounts, I must admit, has been kind of fun. It’s also been a bit terrifying. Again, mixed emotions tends to be the theme that has been coming up for me recently.

Fear

Spoiler alert, as a therapist I still feel emotions. I know, it’s wild to imagine. Becoming more visible means putting myself out into the world more which could increase chances of being criticized and judged. I believe that social media gives us opportunities to judge people more often which is one reason I have shied away from it. We judge the new jobs or lack of jobs of our peers. We judge their weddings and babies. Or we compare ourselves to them which is also very unhelpful. I hope that instead of creating judgment and comparison we can create growth and opportunities. Growth to connect with others that are or have been positive support systems in our lives. Opportunities to set goals that are closer to our values.

Insecurity

Along with the fear of judgment is also the insecurity and possibility that building this practice might not work out. Throughout many years of exploration, I have been able to develop a positive sense of self, especially when it comes to my career. I have worked hard to develop my skill as a therapist and have found that I have an ability to form great empathic spaces with my clients that help promote change and feeling better. The insecurity though comes from the fear that maybe that isn’t enough. I have not opened a business before, therefore this is a brand new adventure at something I don’t have experience with which could equal crashing and burning.

Opening Up

Despite these fears and insecurities, I would be remiss to my own goals and values if I did not try. The fears and insecurities will still be there, however, I am opening up and also allowing my excitement and self encouragement to also be present. Creating change and taking risks elicits many different difficult emotions and they can also help further growth and development. There is the possibility to avoid the change but we cannot avoid the emotions. Trust me, they will come out one way or another. Usually if we avoid them, they will come out in ways that we really don’t want (e.g., crying, panic attacks, yelling at a partner or friends). Instead I invite you to join me in identifying a goal and setting one small step/risk towards that goal. I challenge you to open up to all emotions. Typically we are able to feel the tough ones first, but take this time to acknowledge yourself for taking on a challenge. Let in the positive emotions and self praise.

P.S. Check us out on Facebook and Instagram give us a little ❤️ or👍. I’ve also created a Psychology Today profile.

P.S.S. If you’re interested in knowing more about the internet and it’s impact on us check out the Mindful Chatter episode called Because of the Internet