by Mary Laughlin

Imagine that you are walking home from work one night and when you come upon a dark path. You know you’ve seen it before, but usually you cross the street at this point. On this particular night, however, you take a quick glance. Until now, you’ve never noticed that the path leads into a forest. You keep walking, however, because the path is very dark, and, after all, you’re not sure what could be lurking in the darkness. Day by day, you walk past the path, growing more and more intrigued until finally, one afternoon, you decide to turn down the path to see if you can see a little more. As you get closer to where the forest meets the path you notice that the sky darkens…you think you spot storms in the distance, and the temperature drops. Your hands start to get sweaty as you step closer and closer. You begin to doubt yourself. “You’ve come this far”, you quietly tell yourself, and you decide to step, ever so cautiously, into the dark forest. At first you can’t see more than a few steps ahead of you but as you look around, you can just barely see the outline of other people in the forest with you. 

You decide it’s best to turn around but then hear someone call your name. You squint your eyes, straining to see. An object is reaching toward you…no, it’s actually someone’s hand.  Everything in you wants to run but something about the way the person says your name and the kindness in their voice makes you pause. How can they see you? It’s so dark. You freeze this time, uncomfortable with being seen but also strangely comforted by the mere presence of someone else in the darkness.

 “Look up” you hear them say,  and as you do you notice that the sky is full of stars and a soft glow from the moon. It provides just enough light for you to see more of the forest. You now notice groups of two and three in little huddles – and even families. You can just barely see someone who looks like the cashier at your local grocery store, and the family that lives a few doors down. You notice people of all kinds. A little more of the path comes into view as your eyes continue to scan your surroundings. Something deep inside of you shifts, a stirring that you can’t quite put into words. As the darkness begins to lift ever so slightly, you realize there’s a warm fire with two camp chairs a few feet away, the outstretched hand just beyond. You feel wetness on your cheeks as you move toward the light, and the bag you’ve been carrying falls off your shoulders. 

For some individuals, especially those who have survived or witnessed a traumatic experience,  asking for help can feel a bit like walking toward a dark forest. Feelings of discomfort and vulnerability can flood our senses telling us it’s not safe or worth the exploration….at first. 

The therapeutic relationship, or relationship between a counselor and a client, however, can be a catalyst for finding the road back to the truest version of ourselves while healing from our past. 

A counselor functions like the outstretched hand in the illustration above. They are there to be a supportive guide that serves as a vessel of hope, reflection, and at times, challenges long held beliefs that are no longer serving the client. 

At The Pursuit, a group of experienced therapists have come together to offer best in class counseling services. We prioritize clinical theory, non-judgmental approaches, and effective interventions, treatment plans, and coping skills.

We have therapists who specialize in different areas and we strive to find the best match for your unique needs. Our services cater to individuals, families, and organizations, including adolescents in high school. Our aim is to connect you with the specialist who can best address your concerns.

 Our specialized  counseling services aim to address the underlying emotional wounds that contribute to behaviors. We offer evidence-based  counseling that is effective with working many presenting problems. We provide a holistic approach to recovery, focusing on healing the past to create a healthier future. 

Are you ready to take the first step on your Pursuit towards a happier, healthier you? We invite you to book your free 20-minute consultation with one of our skilled therapists. Don’t wait; it’s time to invest in your well-being. Simply  Book Now to start your Pursuit towards personal growth and positive change today.