Is Therapy on Your New Year Resolutions Yet Again? Tips For Starting Therapy From a Therapist in New York
As we welcome the new year, many of us find ourselves setting goals and intentions that we hope will bring positive changes to our lives.
This may include reaching new health goals, taking that trip (finally), and unlocking new earning potential. Among the most common resolutions is prioritizing mental health and starting therapy. If you’ve made this resolution before but found it difficult to follow through, you’re not alone. Starting therapy can feel daunting, especially when juggling daily responsibilities. The good news is it’s never too late to take that first step toward bettering your mental health.
As a therapist in New York, I’ve worked with many women who’ve struggled with starting therapy, and I’d like to share some practical tips to help you overcome the hurdles and make this resolution a reality.
Acknowledge That It's Normal to Feel Nervous
Starting therapy can stir up feelings of nervousness or uncertainty. Maybe you’ve scoured my website or someone else’s Psychology Today page, hovering over the “Contact me today” button and found yourself procrastination cleaning (yet again). It’s important to recognize that feeling anxious is completely normal. You may wonder what to expect, what kind of person their therapist will be (e.g., “Will they be nice? Or are they going to judge me?”), or if therapy will make a difference. These feelings are valid and procrastination won’t get you those answers - booking a free consultation will. During a consultation call, you’ll get a feel for the other person, their style, and glean if they can really help you. We all have a “gut instinct”, and I encourage folks to lean into that during our call, regardless if that leads them to want to work with me or someone else. Anxiety is really good at getting us to delay things that could actually quiet it so when you’re feeling anxious, remind yourself that you don’t need more time, you need answers.
Understand the Importance of Finding the Right Therapist
When starting therapy, one of the most important aspects is finding the right therapist for you. In New York, there is no shortage of therapists, each with their own approach and specialties. Some people may prefer a more structured approach, while others may seek a therapist who offers a more empathetic and conversational style. Before you start your search, think about what you hope to achieve through therapy. Do you want to focus on managing stress or overcoming past trauma? Are you seeking support with relationship issues? Do you need support to manage depression and anxiety? Once you’ve clarified your goals, begin searching for a therapist who specializes in those areas. It may take time, but finding someone with whom you feel comfortable and connected will make all the difference.
Start with Small, Achievable Goals
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the idea of starting therapy, especially if you feel like there’s a lot of work to do on your mental health. However, it's helpful to approach therapy in small, manageable steps. Instead of focusing on the long-term journey ahead, concentrate on setting achievable goals for each session. For instance, you might start by focusing on exploring your emotions or gaining insight into a specific problem you’re facing. Setting smaller goals will help you stay motivated and ensure that therapy doesn’t feel like an insurmountable task.
Commit to Consistency
Therapy is most effective when it’s consistent. At first, it may be tempting to cancel a session if you’re feeling better or if life gets in the way. However, consistency is key to building a relationship with your therapist and achieving the best results, just like any other New Year resolution. Set a schedule that works for you and make a commitment to attend regularly. This helps you build momentum and trust with your therapist while also providing you with the support needed to make lasting changes in your life.
Give Yourself Credit for Taking the First Step
Give yourself credit for simply taking the first step toward therapy. Deciding to seek help is a huge accomplishment and speaks to your desire for growth and well-being – even if you still feel unsure or anxious because two things can be true at the same time. Therapy is a powerful tool for self-discovery, healing, and personal development. Whether you’re tackling long-standing issues or simply seeking a healthier outlook on life, therapy can empower you to make meaningful changes.
Final Thoughts
Starting therapy in the new year is a valuable commitment to your mental health. By acknowledging your feelings, finding the right therapist, setting achievable goals, staying consistent, and celebrating your progress, you can make therapy a transformative part of your journey in 2025. As a therapist in New York, I’m here to remind you the new year is the perfect time to prioritize yourself and your mental well-being. If you’re ready to begin therapy or have questions about how it works, feel free to reach out to me for support today.
Other Services I Offer Anywhere in New York
I provide a variety of specialized services to support you through different stages of life. Whether you're seeking help with postpartum and pregnancy challenges, women’s therapy, family planning, or infertility support, I’m here to offer guidance and care every step of the way. Together, we can work toward creating and realizing your goals in 2025.
About The Author:
Dr. Ruby Rhoden is a New York-based licensed psychologist who is dedicated to uplifting women through life changes and challenges, including reproduction and parent burnout. She understands how unhelpful behavior patterns and mental health disorders uniquely impact women and uses evidence-based techniques to usher in sustainable change and relief. Dr. Ruby is dedicated to helping women develop healthier habits and relationships with themselves and their bodies so they can connect to others and the world around them again. Dr. Ruby studied at Cornell University and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey for her Bachelor’s and Doctoral degrees, respectively. In her free time, she enjoys watching reality TV, supporting small businesses, and writing blog posts to remind all women that they are not alone.
