The Power of Vulnerability
By: Winnie Bien-Aime, MA, LPC-S
I teared up during a client’s therapy session.
As therapists, we’re taught to manage our own emotions during sessions to ensure they don’t overshadow our clients’ needs. But this moment was different. It wasn’t about me—it was about witnessing someone’s profound healing. This client had journeyed through the depths of depression and emerged into the light. I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and honor to have played even a small role in their transformation.
Over the years, I’ve walked alongside individuals from all walks of life, often meeting them during some of their darkest moments. It takes immense courage to seek help and commit to therapy, especially when the road ahead feels uncertain and daunting. Week after week, month after month, these individuals show up. Their perseverance has taught me one invaluable truth: healing requires vulnerability.
Healing past wounds, overcoming trauma, and battling anxiety or depression isn’t easy. It demands a willingness to be vulnerable—not only from the client but also, at times, from the therapist. I’ve reached for tissues to quietly dab my own tears as I held space for clients. In those moments, that shared vulnerability creates a connection, reminding us that we are all human. We are all, as someone once said, “the same kind of different.”
Seeking therapy doesn’t mean you’re weak or that something is wrong with you. On the contrary, reaching out is an act of strength. If you’ve been hesitating to start therapy because it feels intimidating, unfamiliar, or even scary, I understand. It can be hard to know where to begin. Finding the right therapist—someone you connect with—is an important first step.
At Thrive Unburdened, Inc., we strive to make this process as supportive and accessible as possible. Typically, therapy begins with a consultation call where you and your potential therapist discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, their approach, and whether you’re a good fit. From there, you’ll meet for an intake session to dive deeper into your mental health history and goals. Follow-up sessions are scheduled based on your needs, creating a customized journey toward healing.
Our therapists are trained in various evidence-based modalities, including EMDR, Brainspotting, CPT, TF-CBT, Client-Centered Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Schema Therapy to name a few. We blend traditional talk therapy with somatic interventions to support holistic healing and ensure each session meets clients where they are.
As this new year unfolds, my hope is that you won’t delay starting your journey to healing. You deserve the peace, growth, and freedom waiting on the other side. Taking that first step is an act of courage—and we at Thrive Unburdened are here to support and celebrate your vulnerability and healing.
You are not alone. Healing is possible. And you are worthy of it.
