On the Fence About Therapy? 8 Common Blocks Keeping You Stuck—and How to Break Through.

2 minute read.

Did you know that only about 50% of women who struggle with their mental health actually seek professional support? Despite being more likely than men to pursue mental health support, many women still face roadblocks that prevent them from reaching out for the help they deserve.

The problem isn’t just individual—it’s societal. Women are often conditioned to put others first, neglecting their own needs. This starts in girlhood and carries on into adulthood. Given that women experience a number of mental health issues at higher rates than men (including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic-stress, and body image issues), it’s clear why overcoming these barriers is so important to our individual and collective wellbeing.

A woman with smeared eye make-up, holding a piece of paper over her mouth that has a smile drawn on it.

If you’ve been wondering whether therapy is right for you but haven’t quite been able to take that leap and get help, there is a good chance that you have a particular block or barrier that is stopping you. Sometimes these blocks are logistical, but usually if we dig deeper there’s a mental/psychological force driving it.

Let’s explore the most common barriers that stop women from seeking support - and how to overcome them.

1. “I Don’t Think I Need Therapy”

Many women minimise their struggles, thinking, “It’s not that bad,” or comparing their pain to others. But therapy isn’t just for crises or mental illnesses - it’s for anyone who wants a safe space to process, heal, and grow. Whether you need guidance for something big or just a moment of uninterrupted “me time,” therapy can be transformative. A sign this could be your block is that you use a lot of self-deprecating and minimising language when you talk to or about yourself.

2. The Pressure to “Handle It Alone”

Women are often praised for being strong caregivers, which can create a belief that seeking help for themselves is weak. This mindset can be especially tough if you’re hyper-independent. But therapy isn’t about weakness; it’s about strength—choosing to care for yourself so you can show up fully in life and in your relationships. If you’re the sort of person who tends to have your own needs stamped on by others, or who is the ‘rock’ for her friends but rarely shares much of herself, this could be your main block.

3. Financial Concerns

Yes, therapy costs money, but think of it as an investment in your mental health and overall happiness. Many therapists offer sliding scales, and there are free and affordable options. Also, consider how you prioritise spending—investing in yourself is always worth it. A sign that this is the block stopping you from getting into therapy is that you tend to de-prioritise yourself in your spending patterns. You might have no issue spending on your family, friends or practical things, but you struggle to justify spending money on things that are for your own wellbeing and benefit. You might also be ignoring low-cost options because a part of you is using financial concerns as an excuse to avoid getting the support you deserve.  

4. Stigma and Misconceptions

Old stigmas about therapy still linger: “It’s for sick people,” or “It won’t work.” The reality? Therapy is backed by research, and it works. Seeking support doesn’t make you weak—it shows strength and self-awareness, and a willingness to do the work to improve not only your life but your relationships too. When you start your own therapy you send a message to those around you that taking care of ourselves is normal.

5. Time Issues

Life is busy, but your well-being deserves a spot on the calendar! Options like telehealth and email therapy make therapy more accessible by cutting out commute times and offering flexibility. If you are stuck on that Mon-Fri, 9-5 schedule, find an after-hours therapist. I offer after hours and weekend counselling sessions to clients for this very reason.

6. Cultural and Systemic Challenges

For many women—especially those from marginalised communities—therapy hasn’t always been inclusive. Historically, women who were deemed to be “too opinionated” were hospitalised for example, and the male founders of psychology shaped the field from the point of view of their own gender and experience. In Australia, there is a lack of diversity and inclusion around integrating Indigenous knowledge systems and practices into mental health systems and therapist training. Approaches like feminist therapy and culturally competent care are changing the landscape (although we have a way to go yet). I use an intersectional feminist therapy framework that recognises that your identities (ethnicity, culture, socioeconomic status, disability, gender, sexuality, language and more) and environment impact your mental health.   

7. Fear of the Unknown

Opening up to a stranger can be tough. What will I say? How will I feel? This fear is common, especially if you experience anxiety. Take it one step at a time. Reflect, journal, and talk to your therapist about these concerns—they’re there to guide you through it all. Every person who has ever attended therapy and come out of it a more confident and fuller version of themselves started with that very first session.  

8. Fear of Change

Odd as it sounds, the idea of getting “better” can feel scary. When mental health struggles become familiar, change can feel unsettling. If we have spent a long time in a toxic cycle, or in feeling anxious and depressed, it begins to feel oddly safe and comfortable – even though we also hate it. So, making a change leaves us feeling a bit scared of the unknown – even if that unknown is better for us. On the flip side, therapy might stir up uncomfortable emotions before things improve. But with a skilled therapist, you’ll learn to navigate these feelings safely.

Breaking Through Your Barriers

If any of these barriers resonate with you, you’re not alone. You can overcome them by reflecting:

• What’s holding me back?

• Am I using these blocks as an excuse to avoid something else?

• Are there other ways in my life, other areas, where these same blocks show up?

• What small step can I take to overcome these blocks today?

Even a single session can bring clarity and help you explore what’s next. Therapy isn’t about being perfect; it’s about progress and investing in you.

So, what’s stopping you? Comment below with your thoughts. I’d love to hear them.

Also feel free to share this blog with your friends/colleagues who might be interested. If this blog entry has inspired you to take the leap and invest in you, you might benefit from showing your therapist the ‘block’ you resonate with most. Use it as a talking point if you’re worried about what to say in that first session.

Until next time, take care.

Warmly,

Amber.