There is a lot of terrible information and stigma out there about therapy and very few opportunities to learn about it before you commit to going. In this episode, Thera-PRE host, Amanda Peña, a licensed therapist and educator, breaks down what therapy is (and isn't), how it works, who goes, and why.

Sometimes we know we need professional mental health help, but that doesn't mean we're ready to go for it yet. There's a lot of reasons people procrastinate seeking out therapy, but one of the biggest (besides money) is facing the monsters we know have been hiding in the darkness all these years.

Today, I'm taking a look at the things that compel us toward change and the fear that holds us back from actually doing it. This episode is raw and intense, but I hope it gives you some courage to take that first step toward healing when you're ready.

To help me plan future episodes, share your anonymous questions and experiences here: Ask me about TheraPRE

In this episode, I’ll be talking about how my healing journey started and, more specifically, how therapy has been a part of that process. 

To make sure you’re not surprised by some of the content I’ll be sharing, these are some of the Trigger Warnings in this episode: depression, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicide.

I know. Heavy stuff. But don’t worry–I’m not going to traumatize you with details. You’re not clinically trained for that, and this isn’t a therapy session. This is purely educational. So, you’ll only hear what is necessary for me to get my thoughts across.

NOTE: If at any time, you find yourself feeling triggered or activated in some way, please feel free to pause or stop listening to this. You can also take some deep breaths or do the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Exercise if you just need a moment to re-center yourself, which you can find on my Instagram page @teaching_is_socialwork.

Curious about therapy but not ready to try it? Maybe you had a bad experience with it and you're not sure if it's right for you?

Thera-PRE is your beginner's guide to the world of therapy.

All the good, all the bad, and all the ugly. It’s here to answer all your questions (no judgment) because choosing to heal is hard enough. 

So, congrats on just getting to this point, even if it's just THINKING about healing.

I'll be here to help you learn whatever you need until you’re ready to go for it and journey through whatever darkness you may find yourself facing.

Let's do this, together.