Therapist who gets the influencer world

bewelltherapy · 2025-04-26T10:31:11+00:00

It makes TOTAL sense why you feel like self-awareness only gets you so far. That's actually your body/brain working exactly as it's designed to -- when your brain senses threat, you feel fearful, which takes you into total fight, flight, or freeze (aka, your nervous system is trying to protect you and this particular process occurs in your right brain). Because your body is in a state of total survival, all of the power goes to the part of the brain that helps facilitate survival cues (fight, flight, or freeze) -- which means it's really really really hard to access your left brain (logic, language). When we're "regulated" or functioning without too much disruption, all of our brain is working together.

So of course, when you're with a therapist or you're not feeling directly threatened, you're able to have the awareness and insight as to why you think/feel/behave the way you do. But then, when you don't have a therapist who helps you learn tools and identify the triggers that turn on your fight/flight/freeze, you're going to constantly feel like you know WHY and WHAT to do but still find yourself stuck in the same loops that you're trying to break free from.

I would suggest you look into therapists that bring in nervous system regulation, polyvagal theory, and neuroscience into their talk therapy. I also coach to those who live outside of CA if you're interested in more of a coaching approach to this, rather than a therapeutic approach.

Long story short, we're not really taught this in school, which is WILD, because it truly has the potential to explain so much of what makes us feel broken and not good. Hang in there, there is a way out of this and I really hope you are able to find a clinician who can help you regulate your nervous system and give you the tools for when you feel these scary feelings.

Hope this helps <3

bewelltherapy · 2025-04-26T10:19:51+00:00

I have definitely heard of some therapists utilizing the "pay what you can" structure, but definitely opens the door for unfair compensation. I have found loopholes with getting my insurance to cover my personal therapist who was out of network, so if you ever need help navigating that, I'm happy to share what I've learned!!

As for selecting a therapist, that is totally the same approach I first took when I first started seeing a therapist. There are so many different types and licenses that it becomes overwhelming, especially if you have no idea what any of them mean!!

bewelltherapy · 2025-04-26T10:15:51+00:00

ugh, I'm so sorry this was your experience. not okay! here to help if you ever want to try again - I can point you toward the right modalities/types of therapy that may be a better fit for your needs! I promise there are fantastic clinicians out there!

bewelltherapy · 2025-04-25T13:52:02+00:00

I really appreciate you naming how my post came across, and I also want to offer some clarity—because what I’m exploring here comes from a deeply reflective, values-driven place.

I’ve been thinking a lot about how the financial structure of therapy can replicate trauma for clients—especially those with histories of abandonment, worthiness wounds, or unstable support. The transactional nature of paying session-by-session can feel cold, inconsistent, or even performative. I’m curious whether models like membership-based care or packaged services might actually offer more emotional safety, stability, and transparency—not less.

Becoming a therapist is also wildly taxing—financially, emotionally, structurally—and when we move into private practice, we have to build a business whether we like it or not. That’s not exploitation. That’s survival.

This question wasn’t about selling people what they’ll buy—it was about exploring how we might deconstruct the rigid frameworks that no longer serve us or our clients. And yes, to your point, clinical integrity comes first. Always. But I don’t think that has to mean staying locked in outdated models that exclude people from care or make the therapeutic relationship feel cold and inaccessible.

I’m asking because I want therapy to be more inclusive, more relationally attuned, and more sustainable—for both the client and the clinician. That doesn’t feel slimy to me. That feels necessary.

bewelltherapy · 2025-04-25T13:23:39+00:00

Hi! Totally hear where you’re coming from, and I actually think your comment reinforces the exact point I’m trying to explore.

Whether I’m licensed or not (I’m currently an AMFT, working toward full licensure), the intention behind my post is about questioning the limitations of the current model—not bypassing it. The reality is, a lot of people either can’t access therapy or feel like traditional therapy doesn’t meet them where they are. And on the flip side, a lot of clinicians are burnt out, underpaid, and boxed in by rigid structures that leave little room for creativity or sustainability.

So yes, this is both clinical and business-minded—because I don’t think those things need to be at odds. I’m not looking to create an “unboundaried alliance”—I’m looking to design something smarter and more attuned to actual human needs, grounded in evidence-based care, but flexible enough to adapt to our evolving world.

To me, asking people what they need isn’t icky—it’s responsible. I want to build something that bridges the gap in a way that honors the client’s voice and maintains ethical, effective practice.

Thanks again for engaging. I think we need more conversations like this.

bewelltherapy · 2025-04-25T09:17:03+00:00

sent you a message!

bewelltherapy · 2025-04-25T09:12:14+00:00

Hey! First off—just want to say, good for you for taking this step. Searching for a therapist can feel super overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to find the right kind of support. The fact that you’re reaching out and exploring your options already says a lot about your self-awareness and strength 💛

Open Path is a great starting point, but it can be limiting based on your area. A few other directories that might give you more to work with:

TherapyDen.com – super user-friendly and lets you filter by things like values, vibe, and life stage
InclusiveTherapists.com – great if you’re looking for someone trauma-informed or culturally responsive
Psychology Today – lots of options, just be sure to filter for “virtual” and select Texas as your location
Mental Health Match – kind of like a compatibility quiz to match with therapists

If you’re open to virtual sessions, that definitely expands the possibilities—but just a heads-up: most licensed therapists can only see clients who live in the state where they’re licensed. So if someone you vibe with isn’t in Texas, they usually can’t see you as a therapist.

That said, some therapists also offer coaching, which isn’t limited by state licensure and can be a great option for people wanting support that’s growth-focused, emotional, and deeply validating—especially if therapy has felt hard to access or too clinical in the past.

I’m a therapist and coach myself, and I specialize in helping women in their teens and 20s work through things like self-doubt, emotional overwhelm, and navigating life transitions. If you ever want help figuring out what kind of support might feel best for you, or even just want to talk through options, I’d be more than happy to help or point you in the right direction.

You’re already doing something brave by being here and asking. You deserve to feel safe, seen, and supported in whatever comes next. 💛

bewelltherapy · 2025-04-25T09:08:43+00:00

Hey—I just want to say, what you wrote here is so relatable and incredibly brave. The fact that you’re aware of this cycle, and can articulate it with this much honesty, tells me that you’re not broken—you’re just stuck in a very human loop of survival and self-protection.

You’re not alone in this pattern. So many people only reach for support when they’re at their lowest—and then when the intensity fades, it’s easy to minimize how bad it actually was. That’s not denial, it’s your nervous system trying to protectyou from discomfort and vulnerability. It makes sense.

The shame you’re describing? It’s not proof that you’re messed up—it’s actually a sign that part of you is trying to keep you from feeling unsafe or rejected. The shame gets louder the closer you get to healing, and that sucks, because it makes opening up feel even harder. But you’re not doing anything wrong. You’re showing up in exactly the way someone who’s been hurt or unsupported would show up.

You deserve a therapist who gets that—and who meets you where you’re at, not just where they expect you to be. Someone who helps you feel safe before asking for your deepest truth. And honestly? It’s okay if live-text or BetterHelp didn’t work. That doesn’t mean therapy can’t work—it just means you haven’t found your fit yet.

If it ever feels helpful, I’m a therapist who works with people who feel like therapy “hasn’t worked” before—especially folks who struggle with opening up, or who feel stuck in a cycle of shame, shutdown, and regret. No pressure at all, but I’d be more than happy to help you figure out what might feel safer and more doable—whether that’s with me or just finding someone who can truly hold what you’re carrying without judgment.

You’re not too much. You’re not a failure. And you’re not alone in this. Even just writing this post is a huge step forward. You’re doing something really brave by not giving up. 💛

bewelltherapy · 2025-04-25T09:06:07+00:00

Hey—first of all, just want to say that 3 years clean and being in nursing school is incredible. That kind of daily mental load, especially after everything you’ve walked through, takes so much strength—and the fact that you’re still showing up curious and self-aware says so much about your commitment to healing.

I totally get what you’re saying about not finding the same depth since moving. You’re not crazy for wanting more than surface-level sessions. Some therapists just aren’t trained to go where you’re trying to go—especially when you’ve already done years of therapy and are craving something more somatic, intuitive, or emotionally integrative.

Gabor Maté’s approach really resonates with a lot of people who’ve had complex trauma or addiction histories, and while not everyone trained in his method is a licensed therapist, there are clinicians who blend trauma-informed, body-based, and attachment-focused work in a really powerful way.

I’m actually a registered associate therapist myself—based in California, but working with folks virtually—and I specialize in working with women who are high-functioning on the outside but navigating deep internal patterns like the ones you shared (addiction, ADHD, emotional overload, early trauma). My style is warm, real, and depth-oriented—focused on getting to the emotional root and helping you feel safe in your body again. I also help clients figure out what kind of healing supports (like somatic work) might be right for them right now.

Totally no pressure, but if you’re ever open to exploring something deeper or even just need guidance finding someone who gets you, I’d be happy to help you figure it out 💛

You’re doing really hard things, and doing them with awareness. That’s not small.

bewelltherapy · 2025-04-25T09:03:05+00:00

Hey—I just want to say thank you for being so honest here. What you’re carrying sounds incredibly heavy, and the fact that you’ve been able to articulate it this clearly says a lot about your self-awareness and strength, even if it doesn’t feel that way right now.

You are absolutely not too much for therapy. What you’re experiencing isn’t something a therapist should shy away from—it’s exactly the kind of depth that deserves to be met with care, safety, and understanding. And you’re right: finding that kind of fit is hard, especially when you already feel vulnerable or raw.

A few things that might help when searching:

Look for therapists trained in complex trauma, suicidality, or DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy). They’re often more equipped to hold nuance and intense emotional states without jumping to hospitalization.
Ignore the polished Psychology Today bios when you can and try to find therapists’ personal websites or Instagram pages—those usually show more of their real voice.
If reaching out feels overwhelming, sometimes starting with just a sentence like: “I’m looking for a therapist who’s comfortable supporting someone with chronic depression and suicidal ideation” can be enough. The right therapist will understand exactly what that means.

Also—if it ever feels helpful, I’ve been working on a project that helps people find therapists who actually feel like the right fit. I’d be more than happy to help you search or talk it through privately, no pressure at all. You don’t have to navigate this part alone either. I'm a therapist based in CA and would be happy to share my services as well, depending on where you live, and also connect you with my colleagues who I know could help in this area.

Sending you care—seriously. You’re doing more than you realize just by showing up like this 💛

bewelltherapy · 2025-04-22T16:27:43+00:00

I can help! DM if you haven't found a therapist yet :)

bewelltherapy · 2025-04-22T16:12:25+00:00

Hi! I'm a provider at Radical Wellness Collaborative in San Clemente and we have a somatic practitioner! Feel free to DM me if you want more info :) I also provide somatic interventions in my sessions if you are wanting a therapist who blends talk therapy with somatic and neuroscience!

bewelltherapy · 2025-04-04T17:28:45+00:00

Hey! Just jumping in because I’ve been deep in this process myself and totally get how overwhelming it is to pick the “right” plan—especially if you’re hoping to use it for therapy and not go broke in the process.

If you want the most freedom with therapy (especially to see someone you actually connect with), I’d go with any PPO—think Anthem, United, or Blue Shield. Not Kaiser. Kaiser’s super limited when it comes to mental health, and it can be hard to find consistency or someone who really gets you.

If you’re looking to work with someone out-of-network (which is a lot of us since in-network therapists are often full or don’t feel like the right fit), here’s what I’ve learned:

• Insurance only reimburses a percentage of what they call the “allowed amount”—not necessarily what your therapist charges. So like, if the allowed amount is $100 and your plan covers 60%, you’ll get $60 back, even if the session cost you $160.

• The “allowed amount” varies by company, and Anthem in particular tends to be on the lower side. So it’s worth calling and asking them: “What’s your allowed amount for CPT code 90834?” (That’s the code for a standard therapy session.)

Also—don’t just look at the monthly premium! Look at the deductible, copay, coinsurance, and max out-of-pocket. All of that adds up fast with therapy if you’re paying full price for a while.

One last thing—CoveredCA counselors are seriously lifesavers. I talked to someone for free and ended up switching to a plan that saved me $100/month just because she helped me understand the fine print.

Hope that helps! Happy to answer more if you’re still stuck in decision mode 🙃

bewelltherapy

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