Taking the first step toward therapy can feel exciting, overwhelming, and even a little intimidating. If you've never met with a therapist before, you might be wondering:

• What will they ask me?

• Will I have to talk about everything right away?

• What if I don't know what to say?

At Next Adventure Counseling & Consulting, we want you to know that your first therapy session isn't about having all the answers—it's simply about getting started.

You look successful on the outside. So why do you feel so overwhelmed on the inside?

Many people picture anxiety as panic attacks, visible nervousness, or someone struggling to get through daily tasks. But for many adults, anxiety looks very different.

In fact, some of the most anxious people are also some of the most accomplished.

They excel at work, care for their families, volunteer in their communities, and appear to have everything under control. Yet beneath the surface, they may be carrying a constant sense of worry, self-doubt, pressure, and exhaustion.

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone.

When people think about therapy, they often picture teenagers navigating anxiety, young adults managing life transitions, or busy parents trying to balance work and family. What many don't realize is that therapy can be just as beneficial—if not more so—in our later years.

One of the most common misconceptions about mental health is that emotional growth has an expiration date. In reality, research continues to show that people can experience meaningful change, improved well-being, and greater life satisfaction well into their 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Do I need a therapist?” you are definitely not alone. Many people think therapy is only for major crises or severe mental health concerns, but the truth is therapy can benefit anyone navigating stress, relationships, life transitions, emotions, or simply wanting more support.

At Next Adventure Counseling, one of the most common things we hear from clients is:
“I wish I would have started sooner.”

If you’ve started exploring trauma therapy or anxiety treatment, you may have come across two approaches that are becoming increasingly popular: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). At Next Adventure Counseling & Consulting, many of our therapists are trained in trauma-informed approaches, including both EMDR and ART, to help clients process difficult experiences and move toward healing.

While EMDR and ART have similarities, they also have important differences. The good news? Both therapies are highly effective for many people struggling with trauma, anxiety, stress, grief, or overwhelming life experiences.

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming.
Not because people don’t want support — but because many don’t know where to begin.

One of the most common things we hear at Next Adventure Counseling & Consulting is:

“I know I probably should start therapy… but how do I find the right therapist?”

And honestly? That’s a really important question.

Struggling with stress, anxiety, or social media streaks? We offer therapy in Edina, Monticello, Minneapolis & online across Minnesota.

Marguerite Ohrtman recently joined the Angela Davis show on Minnesota Public Radio to discuss cell phone policies in Minnesota schools.

Marguerite Ohrtman said schools will need to find a balance.

At Next Adventure, we encourage our clients to continue to build self-confidence and express themselves.

“That fear of missing out is so great,” she said, citing the effects of smart devices on mental health. “People are seeing that they're causing anxiety, it's causing depression, it's causing ADHD, sleep deprivation. People are seeing those effects on their bodies.”

Ohrtman, who is also a therapist, said a simpler phone may be worth considering for someone who struggles with being present or gets anxious from not seeing what’s online.

Ohrtman, M. (August 21, 2023). Twin cities schools are cracking down on cell phone use.

Mortensen, S. (May 20, 2019 ) "I love building relationships and supporting students as they work toward their academic, social and career goals"