Top 3 Things I Wish My Clients Knew
Therapy can feel intimidating when you’re first starting out. Many clients wonder what their therapist is really thinking, if they’re being judged, or if they’re supposed to show up with everything figured out. The truth is, therapists are human too, and there are a few things we secretly wish all clients knew—things that might make therapy feel a little lighter.
1. I’m Not Judging You—No, Really
It’s easy to imagine that a therapist is analyzing your every word, silently deciding whether you’re “normal” or “doing therapy right.” The truth? I’m not judging you. I’m listening to you, caring about your experience, and trying to understand what life feels like in your shoes.
I also want you to know that I really am inspired by my clients. Watching people face fears, share their vulnerabilities, and work toward growth is one of the most meaningful parts of this work. I value you as a person and am motivated by my clients ALL. THE. TIME. So, no—therapy isn’t a performance where you’re under review. You get to talk about what YOU want to talk about, not what you think is on my agenda. It’s a space for you to be fully yourself, without judgment.
2. I’m Human, Too
One of my clients told me the other day - “You just seem so nice and normal, Lauren, and I’m SO not.” I said “I’m offended, truly”. Sometimes clients imagine therapists as people who have it all together, free from flaws or struggles. But I promise you—I’m not perfect, without flaws, or completely “normal.” Just like you, I’m a human being navigating life, with my own challenges and imperfections. I do all the things in life you do - beat myself up, have too little patience for my kids (and myself) forget to practice what I preach. Even with 15 years of training and experience, I lose my way sometimes.
Therapy isn’t about me being “above” you—it’s about us sitting together as two humans, with different roles, working toward your healing and growth. You don’t have to show up with the perfect agenda or say everything “just right.” We’ll find our way together.
3. I’m Rarely Going to Give You Direct Advice
One of my mentors always reminds me “We’re in our clients lives helping them to work ourselves out of a job. It’s so true - many people expect therapy to feel like a consultation: you tell me the problem, I tell you the solution. But therapy isn’t about me handing out directions or telling you how to live your life. Instead, it’s a process of helping you discover what matters to you, what works for you, and what feels authentic to you.
I may share tools, offer new perspectives, or guide you through practices like exposure therapy for anxiety. But the goal isn’t for me to tell you what to do—it’s to help you build trust in yourself. That way, when you graduate from therapy, you walk away with the roadmap to how to handle (almost) anything life throws your way. Anxiety and OCD can have a lifetime prevalence - you want to be armed with the skills to tackle what may come out. Also - I offer “check-ins” for those who have graduate but just want to come back for a few sessions if life becomes stressful. I’m here!
At Birds of a Feather Therapy, I want you to know that therapy isn’t about being judged, “fixed,” or told how to live. It’s about showing up as you are, in all your humanness, and having a safe space to explore what you need. You don’t need to have the perfect plan, the perfect words, or a perfectly put-together self. You just need to come as you are. That’s enough.
You’re ready for things to feel different—and I’m here to help you get there.
Let’s talk about what’s been holding you back and how we can break the cycle of anxiety together. Book your free consultation today—so you can start feeling lighter, calmer, and more like yourself again.