Why I Started Attending Therapy

Hey, my loves! It’s been a minute, no?

It feels good to be back in a space where I can freely express myself to such a dope and uplifting community. Just a little insight: I did take a brief step away from this platform to take some time to marinate on what direction I want to take for 2021. Creating valuable content is a certified j-o-b, ya hear me?!

Also, in the midst of brainstorming, I’m happy to announce that I have also started attending therapy. Yes, yes – full on therapy sessions! I meet with my therapist once a week, between one hour to two hours. I spill any and everything that’s on my heart, plaguing my mind and weighing on my spirit. It’s been over a month since I took the plunge into my first session.

For so long, my circle would discuss and drop hints at the importance of having a therapist. Some of my friends would proudly proclaim that they did have their own personal go-to to counter their anxieties and life struggles, but even in hearing their testimonies, I just didn’t think I needed therapy. The Black community is not the most welcoming when it comes to dealing with mental health. We either judge those who suffer or we down talk their attempts to overcome their diagnosis. Even in my 20s, the phrase, “Just pray on it” was the foundational mantra for my life problems. Yet, faith cannot be the only solution.

My breaking point came in December 2020. I was broken. I was overwhelmed. I would wake up at night and just cry for no apparent reason. I was miserable in my job and at home. I could not see that light at the end of the tunnel. The new year started to creep in and I knew that therapy would be my saving grace. I researched a few therapists within the Houston area, reached out via telephone and had my first session scheduled in under a few days. Not going to lie, the act of solely talking to a stranger about your life can be a bit unnerving, but it’s also every bit of freeing. After completing my first three sessions, I started on the positive path to confront family/childhood trauma, to mend my heart and my ability to love and trust and to create a life that I want to live on my own terms. Every single time I leave a session, I feel empowered, motivated and heard.

Now that I’ve crossed the over into the next step of mental enlightenment, I strongly encourage everyone to do the same. I am now a firm advocate for therapy. As people, we believe that we don’t need any help in combating our struggles. We put on this façade that we have it “all together”, but you cannot escape the truth. If you ever feel lost or the need to talk to someone outside of family and friends, try therapy. Don’t dismiss the possibility. Get the help you deserve and prioritize your happiness. Trust me, you’re worth every bit.

“Just because no one can heal or do your inner work for you doesn’t mean you can, should or need to do it alone.”

-Lisa Olivera