Mental Health · by Ethan Brooks · 2026-09-21
What is the kindest way to start with therapy with limited time?
Part of me wanted the fancy version with all the tools. The better version was boring: one notebook, one reminder, and a willingness to be clumsy with the route for a while.
I had a disappointing first try, a surprisingly good second try, and then a third attempt that taught me humility. So, naturally, I now have opinions.
39 sparks · 11 comments
Comments
Camila Rocha · 8 likes
Yes, but I would approach it in a small, testable way rather than trying to solve everything at once. The trap is trying to optimize before you have feedback.
- Start small and make the next step obvious.
- Keep notes so you can compare what worked.
- Ask someone with recent experience, not just strong opinions.
Hope this helps!
Brian Otieno · 12 likes
Maybe, but the tradeoff seems bigger than the post suggests. My friend tried it in Manila and had the opposite result.
Kabir Khan · 5 likes
Yes, but I would approach it in a small, testable way rather than trying to solve everything at once. If two options look equal, choose the one that is easier to reverse.
- Start small and make the next step obvious.
- Keep notes so you can compare what worked.
- Ask someone with recent experience, not just strong opinions.
Source: mostly hard-won experience and comparing notes with people who stuck with it.
Aoi Ito · 5 likes
I had the same reaction to rather.
Sofía Hernández · 3 likes
I would ask what outcome you want in two weeks, not in some ideal future. That makes the choice much clearer. This is where I would ask one more question before choosing.
Ethan Brooks · 1 likes
This is the gentle version of my rant.
Angel Reyes · 1 likes
My practical advice is to make the next step tiny enough that you can do it today. Momentum usually answers half the question. It reminds me of a very specific conversation near a trailhead.
Rapid Comet · 0 likes
Yes, but I would approach it in a small, testable way rather than trying to solve everything at once. Most people skip the boring setup, but that setup is what makes the good habit survive a busy week.
- Start small and make the next step obvious.
- Keep notes so you can compare what worked.
- Ask someone with recent experience, not just strong opinions.
Hope this helps!
Irene López · 0 likes
My practical advice is to make the next step tiny enough that you can do it today. Momentum usually answers half the question. I used to overcomplicate this constantly.
Hugo Martin · 0 likes
I would ask what outcome you want in two weeks, not in some ideal future. That makes the choice much clearer. My friend tried it in Lisbon and had the opposite result.