I Can’t Fix You.
So, what is the point of therapy then?
You might be thinking, “wow, she’s really the worst marketer ever for her own business!” But really, I just know that it’s the people who want the long-term, sustainable growth who are the right fit for my practice. This is where our name, “Rooted,” comes from. We are not the Wendy’s drive-thru or the Sonic Uber Eats. We are the garden in your backyard (or on your rooftop) where you tend to nutritious plants. Our work as therapists is rooted in science, relationship, and consistency… all of which take time.
So, if you’re here for the quick fix or the microwave meal, we’re probably not what you’re looking for. But, if you want to tend to some fruits and veggies in your garden, we’re here for you.
As much as I, myself, have looked to some quick fixes in my life, I have come to learn they almost always under-deliver and over-charge. As a business owner and as a human, I am in the business of consistent growth. What does this mean for you if you’re engaging in therapy services at Rooted? Great question, it means:
We’re running a marathon, not a sprint.
And in fact, let’s start with a couch to 5k program! Have you ever been inspired to run a marathon? My running phase was in college. I ran a 15k at one point and let me tell you, it was much more boring training for this than I first thought. All I could think about was crossing that finish line and feeling those endorphins! In reality, though, it meant a lot of early morning or late night runs. It also meant saying no to other, more fun things. Here’s the thing though: training for the race took months and months, but the actual race took me less than two hours! The same is often true in life. We often feel like we are preparing for one big event - when we fall in love, land a dream job, or finally travel to that place… but so much more of life is lived in the in-between… in the boring first dates, rejection emails, and months of saving up. Rooted lives for the in-between moments - the weeding, the planting, and the watering; these seemingly small practices are our literal business.
Sustainability is our top priority
While it would be incredible to kick that negative thought spiral overnight or to suddenly know exactly how to confront your mom so that she’ll listen, I am not convinced that this type of goal is ever sustainable. Because of this, we always prioritize the seemingly small changes over the life-changing ones. So, we start with what we can control. This looks different for everyone but some common themes I come back to with clients are:
-Adding in a positive mantra or two to your daily routine (“I am going to do my best today”)
-Trying a new coping strategy (a new hobby, meditation, and sleep hygiene are a few that come to mind)
-Brainstorming what values you align with and want to carry out in your life.
While not any one of these things will be life changing, put them all together and give them several months of consistency and it will add up to some incredible results.
Relationships are our top priority.
In fact, research shows that the factor that contributes to successful therapy more than anything else is the relationship of the therapist with the client. In other words, if you don’t like your therapist or you can’t share hard stuff with them, therapy isn’t going to work. This is why after a session or two with a new client, I like to re-evaluate with them how they’re feeling when they talk to me. If they can already tell at this point that it’s not going to be a good fit, then chances are it won’t be and therefore their therapy will be greatly stunted.
In grad school, I was required to make an elevator pitch for therapy (although I’ve literally never been asked this in real life). Anyhow, I still have mine ready to go just in case the moment ever comes and it goes like this:
I believe in therapy not only because I’ve seen it work for me as a client and for dozens of others as the therapist, but also because it all comes down to the core value of relationship. Relationships that provide healing to someone are known as “corrective relationships” and they literally re-wire our brain after a traumatic event. While this kind of corrective relationship can be found with anyone, the relationship with therapist and client is the only intentional corrective relationship you get to have in your life.
And, that is why Rooted exists. We believe that relationships heal deep-seeded trauma that has rewired your brain. And while this will take months not days and probably even years and not months, you are worth the investment.