Krystal Paquette McBride, MAS, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

I work with clients who have various issues and struggles. But my main passion is supporting individualscouples who are coming from family dysfunction or trauma in childhood (not just the bad things that happened, but also the good things that should have happened but didn't). I also enjoy working on boundaries (finding balance in maintaining values, connection, and a relationship with ourselves where we are not self-sacrificing long term). As well as helping people balance compassion and accountability. I also love supporting other union families. Please know I am not able to take on clients who are direct members of the Teamsters Union or employed with UPS (United Parcel Service).

This is going to depend on a person's own values. However, I will answer this based on what I would look for in a therapist for myself, family, or friends. The first aspect is R-E-S-P-E-C-T!!!!! You should feel respected. Don't get me wrong we are not perfect and there is always this aspect of learning from each other as we are diverse (even within our own culture). But being judged is not going to help when therapy itself can be uncomfortable at times. Get someone that is licensed. (Do they have those fancy pants letters after their name?). In order for a therapist to maintain that license, they have to follow their state board's regulations and ethics. Do they specialize or treat what you are seeking therapy for? Now, this may just be me, but I need someone who is going to be direct. It is awesome that people are kind but I also need my therapist to tell me like it is (to help me create change). I don't need them to be an A-hole but just not timid to be assertive and direct. The financial part - are they in-network with your insurance (if you are using your insurance). If not do they offer a superbill if you are looking to use your out-of-network coverage. Are they willing to work with you, if you are cash-pay and finances are tight (i.e. sliding scale or biweekly sessions to make it affordable)? Do you feel it's a good fit? Feelings of nervousness and anxiousness can be present when starting therapy but are you feeling uncomfortable with that person?

To me, it's courageous to go to therapy. We have a tendency to shield ourselves from vulnerability (an attempt to protect ourselves, not realizing that appropriate vulnerability brings life). Going to therapy is a healthy challenge of that. Especially, if you are like some of us that come from family systems, that have directly or indirectly created rules or messages that you don't do this (seeking help or support). There is so much stigma around everything. People seem to always have a say of how we should be managing our life or situations, but not walking in our shoes. There is nothing wrong with getting your needs meet, getting unbiased support, and creating more insight through a different path (i.e. therapy). On the flip side of things, Even though I believe everyone should go to therapy at some point in their life, it's not for everybody. Sometimes people are not ready for therapy. And that's ok. You shouldn't be shamed for that either. When you are ready, therapy will be there. If you are ready now and feel that I am a good fit, I would be honored to support you along your journey.

This really depends on each individual and what is bringing them to therapy. Sessions are usually 50-55 minutes. When it comes to how often therapy is held, it's about the specific need and being realistic (what an individual can manage - financially and schedule-wise). The same goes for how long a person is in therapy. Therapy doesn't have to be a lifetime. It also doesn't mean that we can't go back if we need it.