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Should I Start Therapy? Insights from a Clinical Psychologist


Lara Malobrodski

Author

Lara Malobrodski

Lara is a clinical psychologist and co-founder of Pair. She understands firsthand the importance of finding the right therapeutic fit and is passionate about helping people access care that works for them.


Should I Start Therapy? Insights from a Clinical Psychologist

Deciding to start therapy is a big step, and it’s normal to feel unsure about whether it’s the right time. Therapy isn’t just for moments of crisis; it can help with everyday challenges, building resilience, and understanding yourself better. In fact, some of the most meaningful therapeutic work can happen when you’re not in crisis. When life feels relatively stable, people often have more capacity to sit with difficult emotions, reflect, and process experiences more deeply. Of course, therapy during a crisis can be incredibly helpful and supportive, but it doesn’t have to take a crisis to benefit from it.

From a clinical perspective, even small, early steps in therapy can make a meaningful difference in managing stress, anxiety, or low mood.

You might consider starting therapy if you notice:

  • Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress
  • Difficulty managing relationships, work, or study
  • Patterns of thinking or behaviour that feel unhelpful or self-critical
  • Feeling stuck or unsure how to move forward

Starting therapy doesn’t mean there is something wrong with you. It means you’re taking an active step toward understanding yourself and improving your wellbeing. Even if you’re unsure, reaching out can help you feel more supported, proactive, and empowered.

How Pair Can Help

Pair is designed to make that first step easier. You can complete our short matching questionnaire, which considers your preferences and matches you with psychologists likely to be a good fit. Or, if you prefer to browse, our directory includes extensive filters including therapy style, specialty, and personal considerations such as gender, language, faith, or LGBTQIA+ identity.

By connecting you with a psychologist who truly fits your needs, Pair helps make starting therapy feel simpler. From a clinical perspective, this approach increases the likelihood that therapy will be effective.

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