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Many people wait until things feel unbearable before seeking therapy. You can start with one concern, at your own pace, without proving you are distressed enough.

Waiting until it feels unbearable

Many people hold off seeking therapy because they believe it means admitting they could not cope. Some try every other option first, from exercise to massage to a weekend away, before considering a conversation with a therapist. Family or cultural expectations can add to the hesitation. The question underneath is a familiar one: what would make support feel easier to reach for?

Starting small is enough

Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, brings psychotherapy training to her work and sees clients for psychological treatment in Lane Cove. You can begin by describing a single concern and asking how talking therapy might help with it. There is no threshold of distress you have to prove before you are taken seriously.

Practical details that reduce uncertainty

Not knowing what to expect can be as off-putting as the problem itself. It is reasonable to ask about:

• how privacy and confidentiality are handled;
• fees, confirmed directly with the clinic;
• what happens in the first session;
• how much you are expected to share, and when.

The pace at which you open up remains in your hands, and it is fine to say that a topic is off limits for now.

Agreeing on what you want from therapy

Sessions should follow your priorities. You might want to make sense of a pattern, cope with a specific situation, or simply have a space to think aloud. Talk about which changes feel difficult and how you will know things are moving.

Christine can explain how the approach will be revisited and what else is available if your needs shift between appointments. Should you feel unsafe at any time, call triple zero or speak with your GP that day.

Choosing support is a sign of care

Reaching out is a practical choice, much like seeing a GP for a physical concern. If you are weighing counselling against other forms of support, a first phone call to the Lane Cove clinic is a low-pressure way to learn what is involved before you decide anything.