Currently accepting new clients in Kansas, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Ohio!

Is Therapy Different Than Venting to a Friend?

“I have great friends and family—why would I want a therapist?”

It’s a great question! Community is invaluable in hard times, but therapy and friendship serve very different purposes. So, let’s break it down—why invest in therapy when you could just talk to someone you already know?

Therapy Is Focused Completely on You

Unlike a casual conversation with a friend, therapy is a dedicated space for your personal growth.

It’s not a mutual exchange—you don’t have to leave room for the other person to share.
You don’t have to worry about being “too much” or feeling guilty for taking up space.
It’s a time set aside for you to work through what’s holding you back from living a full, healthy life.

Therapists are trained to be fully present with no expectations, no interruptions, and no judgment—something even the best friendships can’t always offer. Therapists literally spend hours and hours outside of your session time preparing to be the best resource and safe space for you so you can receive all that the therapeutic space can provide.

Therapy Goes Beyond Venting—It’s About Healing

Friends are great listeners, but they aren’t trained to strategically help you untangle deep emotional, communication and behavioral patterns, dive into your trauma or develop personalized coping strategies – to name a few of the many things your therapist may do with you.

A therapist:

✔ Helps you understand and work through the root of your struggles, so they are not just providing comfort.
✔ Uses evidence-based techniques to help you move forward and out of this place.
✔ Brings an outside, unbiased perspective that isn’t emotionally tied to the situation.

Unlike a friend, a therapist isn’t connected to your family, spouse, or coworkers—which means you can process tough relationships without worrying about hurt feelings or biased advice.

Therapists Are Experts—Not Just Good Listeners

Therapists spend years studying and practicing how to help people just like you navigate anxiety, postpartum mental health, relationship difficulties, trauma, and more.

We aren’t just offering personal opinions—we rely on proven methods that have helped countless others in similar situations.
We have thousands of hours of experience, so nothing you say will shock us.
Our role isn’t to “fix” you—it’s to equip you with tools for lasting healing because we know it is possible.
A dedicated, authentic therapist is also committed to their own healing work, making the process all the more authentic. They get the place you are in because they have been in the client seat as well and know what kind of effort goes into this level of investment in yourself.

Faith-Based Therapy Weaves in God’s Healing

For those who value faith, therapy with a faith-based clinician offers something unique:

A space where faith and mental health are seen as complementary, not conflicting.
A therapist who understands the cultural impacts of faith and how it shapes your healing journey.
The belief that God is the ultimate healer, and that therapy can be a tool He uses for restoration.

“Behold, I make all things new.” – Revelation 21:5

We integrate faith as much (or as little) as each client desires, always respecting your personal choice. This integration can add a level of depth that many people of faith find incredibly valuable and transformative.

Therapy Helps You Grow in Ways Friendship Does Not and the Opposite is True Too

Both friendships and therapy are incredibly valuable, but they serve different roles.

Many people find that therapy and friendships work incredibly together—it is not a competition. If you’re in a season where growth and healing feel especially imperative to you, therapy can be a powerful next step to add additional support to what you already have in your community.

Curious if Therapy Could Make A Difference For You?

If you find yourself or a loved one recognizing the desire for a more targeted level of support, we’d be honored to walk alongside you on your journey towards healing and wholeness.

When you’re ready, we’re here.

Cheering you on,

-Lizzy Hollwedel