Written by Taylor Lopez Boodooram, SSW

If you’re thinking about starting therapy, you might be carrying a mix of emotions: curiosity, nervousness, maybe even fear. For many women of color, the idea of sitting with someone and talking about deeply personal experiences, especially cultural, family, or identity-related struggles…let’s be honest…it can feel overwhelming.

At Manaaki Mental Health, we understand that making the decision to start therapy is a brave and meaningful step. In this post, we’ll answer some of the most common questions new clients ask before beginning therapy, especially those who want a space where their culture, values, and identity are honored.

“I’ve never done therapy before. Is that okay?”

Absolutely. You don’t need to have the “right words” or know exactly what you want to say. In fact, many clients come to therapy unsure of where to begin. That’s normal.

Think of therapy as a space where you can simply show up as you are. You don’t need to perform strength, have everything figured out, or know how to describe what you’re feeling perfectly. My role as your therapist is to guide you gently, help you explore at your pace, and support you as you uncover what matters most to you.

Whether this is your first time in therapy or you’ve worked with someone before, there’s no “wrong” way to start.

“What if I cry or feel awkward?”

This is one of the most common concerns new clients share, and I want you to know: tears, awkward silences, and uncertainty are all welcome in the therapy room.

Crying isn’t something to feel ashamed of. It’s simply one way the body releases emotion and begins to process what’s been held in for too long. And feeling awkward? That makes sense, too. Therapy can feel vulnerable, especially when you’re used to holding everything together for everyone else.

This is a space for all of you, not just the polished, “put-together” parts. You don’t have to be perfect here. You don’t have to explain away your feelings or apologize for them.

“Can I talk about my culture, faith, or family in session?”

Yes, please do. We don’t check culture, faith, family, or tradition at the door. That’s going to sit with you right there in the room with us! Therapy at Manaaki Mental Health is designed to hold the fullness of who you are.

Your cultural background, your spiritual practices (or the complexity around them), your family dynamics, these are often deeply woven into how you experience the world, what you’re carrying, and how you want to heal.

Maybe you’ve felt like you had to code-switch, downplay, or explain your culture in other spaces. Here, you don’t. We will honor your experiences, your roots, and the ways your identity shapes your story.

“Will you give me tools or just listen?”

Both. Some days, therapy might look like learning specific coping tools: grounding exercises to help with anxiety, thought reframing to shift unhelpful patterns, or boundary-setting strategies that feel authentic to you.

Other days, therapy might simply be about holding space for you to be exactly where you are, absolutely no fixing, no rushing, no pressure to “do it right.”

At Manaaki Mental Health, we believe that healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some sessions may feel more reflective. Others may feel more action-oriented. We’ll collaborate to find what serves you best, moment by moment.

“What happens if I don’t know what I need from therapy?”

You don’t have to know. Part of our work together is discovering that. Therapy can help you slow down, tune in, and notice what you need, maybe for the first time in a long time.

You might come in feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or even skeptical. That’s okay. Together, we can create a space that feels safe enough for you to begin exploring what support looks like for you.

“Is therapy only for people in crisis?”

Not at all. While therapy can absolutely be a place to find support during a crisis, it’s also for anyone who wants to grow, heal, or simply have a space to reflect.

You don’t need to wait until everything feels unmanageable. In fact, therapy can help prevent burnout, deepen self-awareness, and support you through life’s transitions, before things feel overwhelming.

“So, what makes therapy at Manaaki Mental Health different?“

At Manaaki Mental Health, we specialize in working with women of color who are navigating anxiety, burnout, cultural identity, family expectations, and intergenerational stress. Our approach is:

✅ Culturally grounded — We honor your culture, your roots, and your values.
✅ Trauma-informed — We move at your pace, never forcing you to share more than you’re ready for.
✅ Client-centered — You are the expert of your experience. We’re here to walk beside you, not to tell you who to be.
✅ Private pay + flexible options — We provide both in-person therapy in Taylorsville and virtual therapy across Utah.

You Deserve Support That Sees You

If you’ve been wondering about therapy, consider this your invitation. You don’t need to have all the answers. You don’t need to wait for the “right time.” You deserve a space where you can exhale, be seen, and begin to heal. Just as you are.

Book a session with me today. Let’s begin your healing together.

Manaaki Mental Health – Taylorsville, UT | In-Person & Telehealth Appointments Available