Finding the Right Therapist: How to Prepare for Your Consultation
Mariel Swadden Mariel Swadden

Finding the Right Therapist: How to Prepare for Your Consultation

Reaching out to a therapist for the first time can feel like a big step. Even when you know you want support, it is completely normal to feel unsure about where to start, what to say, or whether you will “click” with the person on the other end of the phone or screen.

I often hear people wonder if they are reaching out for the “right” reason, or if what they are experiencing is something worth bringing to therapy. My answer is usually the same: if something has been weighing on you, impacting your life, or you simply feel curious about better understanding yourself, that is enough of a reason to reach out.

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Care Without Conditions: Rethinking Who Gets a Seat on the Couch
Mariel Swadden Mariel Swadden

Care Without Conditions: Rethinking Who Gets a Seat on the Couch

Everyone deserves access to mental health care that feels safe, affirming, and free of judgment. Yet for many people, including 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, sex workers, and others from marginalized communities, support can be difficult to find. In this post, I’ll explore why inclusive, individualized care matters and how creating truly accessible spaces can make a lasting difference in people’s lives.

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If We’re Not the Right Match in Therapy
Mariel Swadden Mariel Swadden

If We’re Not the Right Match in Therapy

Feeling comfortable with your therapist is one of the most important part of the therapeutic process. Sometimes we discover that the connection is not quite the right fit, and that is perfectly okay. In this post, I’ll talk about what that can mean and how I support clients in finding the care and connection that feels right for them.

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Why Safety and Trust Matter in Trauma Therapy
Mariel Swadden Mariel Swadden

Why Safety and Trust Matter in Trauma Therapy

Feeling safe and supported is the foundation of trauma therapy. In this post, I’ll share why safety and trust matter so deeply in healing, and how therapy can help you begin rebuilding both, at your own pace.

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