Why Aletheian?

"Aletheia" is Greek for truth or disclosure. As a mental health counselor, it is my mission to be the embodiment of this word, to help you talk about the truth of what is going on inside you. Counseling is a safe and non-judgmental space for you to speak the truth and unburden yourself. The truth can be a powerful tool in setting yourself free from whatever is holding you down.

Sometimes, acknowledging the truth can be difficult, and that's where a trained professional comes in. Someone who can guide you along the path of processing and naming your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, or past. It's okay if you find it challenging to disclose the truth for a variety of reasons. It could be a long history of trauma and abuse, and obscuring the truth of what happened is what helped you survive. There is reason behind all of our behavior, but sometimes what we do to survive is not what helps us thrive. What happened to you doesn't have to be who you are.

Other times we avoid the truth because it brings up guilt and shame. I have watched many people do mental gymnastics to avoid what their real issues are, and it can take time to be ready to acknowledge the realities of unhealthy relationship patterns, self-defeating thinking patterns, and self-destructive behaviors. I have no doubts that these patterns started in a way that helped to serve and protect you, but over time they were more like a band-aid over deep-seated issues. Therapy can help with these patterns.

High-achievers and perfectionists can also be victims of avoiding truth. You have probably gotten to where you are today because you have set impossible standards for yourself, and you have pushed yourself to meet them. You would not be where you are without the anxieties that push you to work hard, triple-check your work, and go the extra mile to make sure you are not disappointing anyone. This way of pushing yourself has long-term, taxing consequences, and no matter how successful you are it may feel like you can never get away from those anxieties of meeting expectations. Truth and self-compassion might be what you need. I especially love to work with high-anxiety, high-functioning community leaders, parents, and adults who identify with these patterns, because I know you work hard to keep everyone else around you together. But what happens when you need to fall apart? Coming to counseling may not only be for you, but it is for the people you love and serve.

Whatever your reasons for avoiding the truth might be, it's important to remember that there is a way forward. Therapy can help you break free from patterns that are holding you back, and help you find self-compassion and understanding. Whoever you are, if you are someone who identifies with these patterns, coming to counseling might be what you need to fall apart, so that you can pick yourself up and start thriving. If any of this resonates with you, I encourage you to reach out to a counselor. Remember, it's not just for you, but for the people you love and serve. You deserve to acknowledge your truth and find the support you need to move forward.