How Do I Know if I'm Ready for Therapy?
Wondering if you’re ready for therapy?
It’s a question I hear a lot. And the truth is, if you've never gone to therapy before, taking the leap into therapy sessions can seem intimidating. You might be wondering if it’s really necessary, or if your struggles are serious enough to seek help.
Some people hesitate to seek therapy because they’re afraid of judgment or not knowing where to start, or they feel unsure whether their issues are "big enough" to justify professional help.
It’s completely understandable, too. No one wants to invest time and energy into therapy only to feel like they aren’t making progress or that they’re not really in need of it. But don’t let that stop you!
Therapy can be a game-changer for anyone feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or anxious.
Whether you’re dealing with specific life challenges or just feel like something is "off," therapy can help you find clarity and balance.
Therapy isn't just about addressing trauma or deep psychological issues; it can also help you understand yourself better, improve relationships, and develop coping strategies for everyday stressors.
If you’ve been feeling like you’re ready for therapy, you probably are getting close!
To help you decide, today I’m sharing 5 signs to know if you’re ready to take the step and start therapy. This way, you can focus on feeling more in control of your emotions and life—without the stress of wondering whether therapy is the right move for you.
(And if you’re not ready yet, you’ll know what steps you can take to prepare!)
Let’s dig in.
5 Signs You Know You're Ready for Therapy
Only you can say for sure whether you’re ready for therapy. As I mentioned above, if it’s been on your mind lately, you’re probably in a good place to start exploring your options, at the very least. You may even find that you're more prepared for it than you think.
To help you decide, here are a few tell-tale signs that show you're more than ready to begin therapy.
Readiness Sign #1: You Feel Overwhelmed or Stuck
Has life been feeling like too much to handle lately? Maybe you’re juggling multiple responsibilities—career, family, personal life—and it feels like you’re constantly running on empty. You might feel overwhelmed by anxiety, unable to manage stress, or simply "stuck" in life, unsure how to move forward.
Feeling emotionally exhausted is a strong indicator that therapy could benefit you. Therapy offers a safe space where you can talk through your challenges and begin to unpack why you feel this way.
When I first started working with clients, many shared that they felt stuck in a cycle of overwhelm and frustration, not knowing how to break free. They tried self-help books, online advice, and talking to friends, but it wasn’t until they sought professional support that they found the clarity they needed to move forward.
If you’re constantly feeling like you’re running on empty, therapy might be the key to helping you reclaim emotional balance and regain control over your life.
Readiness Sign #2: You're Experiencing Persistent Anxiety or Stress
Anxiety and stress are part of life, but when they become persistent or interfere with your ability to function, it may be time to consider therapy. Whether it’s worrying about the future, overthinking decisions, or feeling on edge, ongoing anxiety can be draining. Therapy can provide tools and strategies to manage anxiety in a healthy way.
Ask yourself: How is stress showing up in my life?
Are you constantly worried about things that are out of your control? Do you feel overwhelmed by everyday tasks? If stress or anxiety is starting to affect your relationships, sleep, or overall well-being, therapy can offer relief. You don’t have to carry these burdens alone.
In therapy, you’ll learn how to identify the root causes of your anxiety and develop coping techniques that help you navigate stress without becoming overwhelmed. You’ll also discover ways to reframe negative thoughts and manage your mental health proactively.
Readiness Sign #3: You've Experienced Major Life Changes
Sometimes big changes—whether positive or negative—can shake your emotional foundation. Things like moving, starting or ending a relationship, career changes, or health concerns can trigger emotional stress, even if they’re expected events. You might find yourself struggling to adjust, feeling unsure of your next steps, or grieving the loss of your old life.
Therapy provides a safe space to process these transitions and make sense of your emotions. It’s normal to feel unsteady when life changes in significant ways, but therapy helps you gain clarity, process your feelings, and develop a plan for navigating the road ahead.
If you’ve recently experienced a major life shift, therapy can offer you the tools to navigate your new reality with confidence and emotional resilience.
Readiness Sign #4: You're Struggling with Relationships
Whether it’s conflict with a partner, tension with family members, or difficulties maintaining friendships, relationship challenges are a common reason people seek therapy. Relationships can be complicated, especially when you’re navigating midlife transitions, where priorities and values often shift.
Therapy can help you explore the patterns in your relationships and understand how your past experiences or current mindset might be impacting them. Sometimes, we repeat certain behaviors in relationships that don’t serve us, or we struggle with communication, which can lead to conflict and misunderstandings.
If you’re feeling disconnected from those around you or struggling to maintain healthy boundaries, therapy can help you develop more effective communication skills and strengthen your relationships.
Readiness Sign #5: You're Ready to Prioritize Your Mental Health
One of the biggest signs that you’re ready for therapy is the desire to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. If you’re at a point where you know you need support and are open to seeking help, therapy could be the next step. Prioritizing your mental health is an act of self-care and a powerful step toward emotional freedom.
When you choose to start therapy, you’re making a commitment to yourself—to your growth, healing, and overall well-being. Therapy isn’t just about fixing problems; it’s about cultivating a deeper understanding of yourself, developing resilience, and creating the emotional tools you need to thrive.
If you’ve been feeling the nudge to explore therapy, trust that it’s your intuition guiding you toward the support you need.
Standing Between You and Therapy: The Doubt Edition
Usually, the biggest thing standing in the way of starting therapy isn’t external; it’s internal. Self-doubt often keeps people from taking that first step. You may be thinking:
"What if my problems aren’t big enough for therapy?"
"What if therapy doesn’t help?"
"I don’t want to seem weak by asking for help."
These concerns are valid, but they shouldn’t hold you back. Therapy is for anyone who feels they need support—whether your challenges feel small or overwhelming. It’s not about the size of your problems but rather your desire to work through them and grow.
The best way to clear up these doubts is to get clear on your “why.” Why do you want to start therapy? Is it because you’re seeking emotional balance, clarity, or support in managing your anxiety? Identifying your reasons will help you feel more confident in your decision.
Real-Life Obstacles to Starting Therapy
In addition to self-doubt, you may face real-life obstacles, such as finding the right therapist, financial concerns, or time constraints. These are common challenges, but the good news is that many of them can be overcome.
Here are a few tips for overcoming these barriers:
Finding a therapist: Many online platforms offer easy access to a wide variety of licensed therapists. You can search based on specialties, insurance, and availability to find someone who fits your needs.
Financial concerns: Many therapists offer sliding-scale fees based on income, and there are also affordable therapy options, such as online therapy services or community mental health centers.
Time management: If your schedule is packed, many therapists offer virtual sessions, making it easier to fit therapy into your routine.
Bonus: Extra Ways to Get Ready for Therapy
If you’re still unsure whether you’re ready, here are a few extra ways to prepare yourself for therapy:
Journaling: Start keeping a journal of your emotions and thoughts to identify patterns and areas where you might need support.
Talking to a friend: Sometimes, talking to someone you trust can help you figure out if therapy is the right next step for you.
Trying meditation or mindfulness: These practices can help you become more in tune with your emotions, giving you a clearer sense of where you need help.
Wanna little taste of what therapy is like…..Download your free “Understanding the Thought-Emotion-Action Cycle Workbook” now >>
That’s a wrap!
I hope this post has helped clarify whether you're ready to start therapy. If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck, remember that many people feel this way before starting therapy—and it's completely normal.
Starting therapy is a powerful step toward healing, growth, and emotional balance. By prioritizing your mental health, you’re choosing to invest in your well-being and future happiness.
All the best,
Chrys 🙌🏽
Don’t forget….want a therapy “taste-test”, click below to download your free “Understanding the Thought-Emotion-Action Cycle Workbook” now >>