My first blog. My feelings about this are: it's super intimidating but also has the potential to be really exciting with many opportunities for great conversation, learning, and growth! Sound familiar? When I talk to potential clients about starting the therapy process, the feelings I just shared about starting a blog (and this website, and my private practice) are very similar to what clients feel when thinking about starting therapy. Beginning the therapy process can be intimidating and there are more often than not a few fears associated with the idea of therapy (or what a person thinks they may know about therapy, the process etc.) For example, what they may see or read in the media and what is shown on TV or in movies (To be clear, many therapists don't have you lay on a couch expressing free association of thoughts and are writing down notes the whole time). In actuality, every therapist you meet will have a different style and differently personality, what is most important is that you don't shy away from starting the process because you may not know what to expect. Call it a challenge by choice, something you are willing to challenge yourself to try, and making the choice to go for it. So for me, having this blog and owning my own practice is my challenge by choice. Being able to provide individual therapy in my own setting is extremely important for me, not only so that I can focus all my attention and work on the client and their process, but being able to create a comfortable environment for someone to start down their road of self-discovery. If it weren't intimidating, challenging, or hard to begin, it wouldn't be worth it. So while I know in the end this blog, website, and practice will be worthwhile, it's time for you to decide if you are ready to start the therapy process by taking that challenge by choice, and gearing up for the beginning of something that could change your life.