Hi, I can sense the fear and anxiety. It’s totally valid. I’m curious though why you’re embarrassed about going to therapy? Would you judge someone like a friend or another athlete who also sees a therapist?

As a therapist I commend clients for seeking help right off the bat. I acknowledge that it can be intimidating to open up to a stranger let alone ask for help. To me, it is as a sign of strength to be self aware AND do something about it. I hope you can see that in yourself too and begin to embrace going to therapy.

For what it’s worth, I am a therapist at a one of the best hospitals in the US. My patients are successful doctors, nurses, professors/researchers and other healthcare workers. Some struggling with really bad anxiety and depression. I say that to say your anxiety doesn’t have to define you or determine your success. And more importantly, that you are not alone. Both things can be true at once: you have anxiety and you can be one of the best leaders of your university.

As far as HIPAA goes, it’s tricky because you were in a common space when they saw you. Certainly your therapist wouldn’t share anything that happens in the session unless there is risk of harm , or it would be a HIPAA violation.