Am I Ready to Start Therapy?

As a Clinical Psychologist, one question I often hear is, “How do I know if I’m ready?” If you’re asking yourself that question, you’re already starting a journey of reflection and self-awareness. Let’s explore this together.

1. You Feel Stuck in Old Patterns

Life can sometimes feel like a loop—repeating the same worries, conflicts, or habits, no matter how hard you try to break free. You might notice yourself having the same arguments in your relationships, feeling the same anxieties every morning, or avoiding certain emotions that keep bubbling up. If you’re feeling stuck in these old patterns and long for a new way forward, therapy can be a safe and supportive space to explore why these patterns exist and how to gently shift them.

2. You’re Finding the Courage to Turn Toward, Not Away

One of the bravest things you can do is turn toward your pain and difficulties instead of pushing them away. In therapy, you’ll have a safe and gentle space to explore the feelings and challenges you’ve been carrying—maybe for years. This doesn’t mean dwelling in the pain forever; it means acknowledging it and honouring your experience. We are all made of strength and struggle, and both parts of you deserve to be seen. If you feel a flicker of courage to face your feelings instead of avoiding them, that’s a profound sign of readiness.

3. You’re Curious About Who You Are

Therapy isn’t just for when things are falling apart—it’s also a place for growth and discovery. Maybe you’re curious about why you react the way you do, why certain things hurt more than others, or what your dreams and desires really are. Therapy can help you deepen your understanding of yourself and find more compassion for the person you’re becoming. If you’re curious to know yourself better, that’s a beautiful and valid reason to begin therapy.

4. You’re Tired of Carrying It All Alone

Many of us have learned to cope with life’s challenges by keeping our struggles hidden. We tell ourselves, “I’ll just handle it,” even when we’re overwhelmed. But healing and growth often happen in connection. If you’re feeling the weight of going it alone and want a place where you don’t have to be “strong” all the time, therapy can offer a compassionate relationship where your feelings and fears are held with care. You don’t have to carry it all alone.

5. You’re Open to Change (Even if It Feels Scary)

Therapy is an invitation to change—not because you’re “broken,” but because you’re human and evolving. Change can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be all at once. If you’re open to taking small steps toward something different—whether that’s learning to set boundaries, feeling your feelings more fully, or just being kinder to yourself—you’re ready to start therapy. A therapist will meet you wherever you are and walk with you at your pace.

6. You Feel Ready to Make a Commitment to the Process

Therapy can be deeply rewarding, but it can also feel challenging at times. It often involves reflecting on what comes up between sessions and practicing new ways of relating to yourself and others. If you feel ready to make a commitment—to keep showing up, to stay curious even when it’s uncomfortable, and to honour the work that happens both in and out of sessions—then you’re ready to start. Therapy is a partnership, and your willingness to engage in the process is a powerful part of your healing.

7. You’re Not Sure, and That’s Perfectly Okay

If you’re feeling unsure—about therapy, about what you want, about what might come up—you’re not alone. It’s completely normal to have mixed feelings or doubts. You don’t have to be “all in” or completely sure to start therapy. Sometimes, therapy begins with a simple conversation about those uncertainties, and that’s enough. A good therapist will help you explore those questions without judgment.

Final Thoughts

Starting therapy isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being willing to ask the questions. It’s about giving yourself permission to be supported, to explore, and to heal. If you’re even thinking about therapy, that’s a powerful sign that some part of you is ready to care for yourself in a new way.

You are worthy of that care. You deserve to be heard and held. If you’re feeling ready—or even just curious—know that there’s a place for you in therapy.

Warmly,
Dr Anna Weller, Clinical Psychologist