5 Signs You’re Ready to Start Therapy (Even If You Feel Unsure)

Online somatic therapy in California

If you’re reading this, maybe therapy has been on your mind- but you’re still feeling unsure. Maybe you think, I’m not in crisis. Maybe I’m just overthinking. Maybe I don’t even know what the real problem is. I want you to know: those feelings are completely normal, and they don’t disqualify you from care. Therapy isn’t just for emergencies. It’s for anyone who wants to feel better, even when things aren’t falling apart.

If you live in California and you’ve been wondering whether therapy is right for you—especially virtual therapy that fits your busy life—I’m here to gently walk you through five signs that say you might be ready to start, even if you’re still unsure.

1. You’re Feeling Stuck but Not Sure Why

Sometimes life doesn’t feel dramatic or catastrophic, but instead you just feel stuck. Maybe it’s like you’re spinning your wheels, and no matter what you do, you can’t quite move forward. That feeling of being trapped in your own thoughts or habits can quietly wear you down.

You don’t have to be “in crisis” to benefit from therapy. This is one of the most common reasons people start seeing a therapist- they want support to move forward, but don’t have a clear roadmap for how to get there. Therapy helps you explore what’s beneath that stuck feeling with compassion and curiosity, so you can start to find new paths.

2. You Overthink and Second-Guess Yourself

Do you find your mind racing with “what ifs,” regrets, or worries? Overthinking can create an exhausting mental loop that feels impossible to break. When you catch yourself overanalyzing every decision or replaying conversations over and over, therapy offers a space to slow down, get curious about, and reframe those thoughts.

We work together to unpack those thoughts, understand where they come from, and develop tools that help you quiet the noise inside your head. Virtual therapy makes this process accessible no matter where you live in California.

3. Burnout Has Become a Constant Companion

Burnout isn’t just about being tired. It’s a deep sense of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that drains your joy and motivation. Maybe you’re juggling work, family, and everything in between, and you feel like you’re running on empty.

Therapy is a place to slow down, recharge, and rebuild your resilience. It’s not about pushing harder, it’s about learning how to care for yourself in ways that feel authentic and healing. Virtual therapy offers a convenient, private space for you to start this process on your own terms.

4. You Can’t Pinpoint the Problem—and That’s Okay

One of the biggest reasons people hesitate to start therapy is because they can’t name exactly what’s wrong. You might say, “I just don’t feel right,” or “Something’s off, but I don’t know what.”

That’s more common than you think. Therapy isn’t just about solving a specific problem, it’s about exploring your feelings, thoughts, and experiences so you can understand yourself better. When you start to unravel those feelings in a safe, supportive space, clarity and healing often follow naturally.

5. You Want to Prioritize Your Mental Health, But Don’t Know How

Maybe you’re at a point where you realize mental health is important, but you don’t know how to make it a priority. Life is busy, and it’s easy to put yourself last.

Virtual therapy in California is designed to meet you where you are. You can schedule sessions around your life, from your own home, without the added stress of commuting or taking time off. This accessibility makes prioritizing your mental health more doable than ever.

Therapy Isn’t Just for Crisis — It’s for Growth

One of the biggest myths I want to dispel is that therapy is only for when things feel out of control. Therapy is an invaluable tool for prevention, growth, and self-discovery.

Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just curious about yourself, therapy offers a gentle, compassionate space to explore. It’s about giving yourself permission to be seen, heard, and supported, even when everything isn’t falling apart.

Online Therapy Options Across California

Living in California means you have access to a wide range of virtual therapy options. Whether you’re in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, or a smaller town, online counseling makes therapy accessible and flexible.

If you’re wondering where to start, I offer free initial consultations over the phone. Fill out my contact form here and we’ll get a call set up. This no-pressure conversation can help you figure out if virtual therapy feels like a good fit for you!

You’re Not Too Late, Too Broken, or Too Much

If you’ve ever worried that you’re “too much” for therapy, or that you’ve waited too long to start, please pause with that thought and take a deep breath. You’re not too late. You’re not too broken. And you are absolutely deserving of care.

Therapy is a place where your whole self- your struggles and your strengths- can be embraced. It’s a partnership built on respect, kindness, curiosity, and compassion.

How to Take the First Step

About the Author

Hi, I’m Tori- a licensed psychotherapist offering online therapy throughout California. I work with deep-feeling, thoughtful people who are navigating anxiety, burnout, and the tender in-between spaces of life. My approach is gentle, grounded, and collaborative. I believe therapy can be a quiet place to land where you feel seen, supported, and slowly reconnected to yourself.

If you’re still unsure but feel a quiet nudge that therapy might help, here’s a simple next step: reach out. I love talking with people who are on the fence about getting started in therapy, even if they decide they’d like to wait a while longer. I am here as a resource for you, whether it’s answering your therpy related questions or providing referrals for different specialists. You don’t have to commit to anything. Just a conversation can be the first step to finding more clarity about your next steps.

Virtual therapy in California is waiting to support you whenever you’re ready.

You’re not alone on this journey. If you’re feeling unsure but open, that’s enough. I see you, and I’m here to help.

Reach out today, and let’s explore how therapy can support your unique path.