I’ve been that person.

I remember meeting up with a friend for lunch a few years ago, excited to catch up — but before the appetizers even hit the table, I had launched into a full emotional unload. I was overwhelmed, frustrated, and in need of connection. But by the end of the meal, I could feel it — the mood had shifted. I had dominated the conversation, and my friend looked emotionally drained.

That moment stayed with me. Not because I shared — we all need to — but because I realized I hadn’t even asked if she had the capacity to hold what I was about to drop. That lunch wasn’t mutual support; it was an unintentional therapy session. And she didn’t sign up for that.

When searching for a mental health therapist, it's easy to get caught up in the qualifications of the professional or the therapeutic modality they specialize in. One term that has gained significant attention in recent years is the concept of a holistic therapeutic approach.

You wouldn’t grab a swimsuit off the rack and head straight to the checkout without trying it on, nor would you purchase a car without taking it for a test drive. The same principle applies when searching for a therapist.