Many people hesitate to start therapy because they think they need to have it all figured out first. They believe they should be able to explain exactly what’s wrong, name their struggles clearly, or walk into the first session with a plan for how to fix things. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to have all the answers to start therapy.
In fact, therapy is often the place where clarity begins.
At Joining with Empathy, a Baltimore-based therapy practice, we remind clients every day that you don’t need to come prepared with a script or a solution. All you need to do is show up as you are—uncertain, overwhelmed, curious, or even skeptical.
Why We Wait to Start Therapy
It’s common to put off reaching out for support. Maybe you’ve thought:
“I don’t even know what to say to a therapist.”
“Other people have bigger problems than me.”
“What if I go and I’m not really ‘bad enough’ for therapy?”
These thoughts can keep people stuck in cycles of stress, sadness, or disconnection. Waiting until you have the “perfect” way to explain what you’re feeling often means waiting much longer than you need to. And the longer you wait, the harder it can feel to take that first step.
The reality is that therapy is designed for people who don’t have it all figured out. You don’t need to be in crisis or have the right words lined up. Therapy is the place where you can begin to explore, unravel, and name the things that feel heavy.
What Therapy Can Look Like
When you start therapy at Joining with Empathy in Baltimore, your therapist will guide the process. You don’t need to know exactly what you want to work on. Instead, we’ll explore your story together.
Some clients come in feeling:
Overwhelmed, but unsure why.
Stuck in life transitions that don’t feel as exciting as expected.
Disconnected from themselves or others.
Burdened by anxiety, stress, or burnout.
Curious about their identity, relationships, or next steps.
Each of these is a valid reason to seek support. Therapy doesn’t require a crisis—it simply requires a willingness to show up and see what unfolds.
Creating Space for Uncertainty
At Joining with Empathy, we emphasize one principle above all: empathy. We create space for your uncertainty, confusion, and questioning. You don’t need to bring polished answers into the room. You just need to bring yourself.
Healing often begins in the act of being seen and heard without judgment. Together, we can explore the patterns, feelings, and hopes that matter to you. Over time, therapy helps build self-awareness and equips you with tools to manage challenges in healthier, more sustainable ways.
Why Baltimore Residents Choose Joining with Empathy
Our group practice is based in Baltimore, Maryland, and we serve adolescents, young adults, and adults across the region. Clients come to us for support with anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, life transitions, relationship stress, work-related burnout, and LGBTQIA+ identity exploration.
What sets us apart is our commitment to inclusivity and authenticity. Whether you’re looking for individual therapy, couples counseling, or affirming therapy that supports your identity, our therapists are here to meet you exactly where you are.
Taking the First Step
You don’t need to have it all figured out to begin therapy. You don’t even need to know what you want to say. The first step is simply reaching out and allowing yourself to be supported.
If you’re ready to explore therapy in Baltimore, Joining with Empathy is here to walk alongside you. Together, we can create space for clarity, self-understanding, and growth—starting exactly where you are today.
