Minisode 6 | May 31, 2022
If Therapy Isn't An Option
In our sixth minisode in a series about accessing and normalizing therapy, we discuss alternatives for therapy or where to access free resources.
INTRO
Welcome to “That’s a Hard No” – the podcast about saying no and setting boundaries so you can become the authentic and empowered you that this world needs.
Reminder: While Sarah is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, this podcast is in no way a replacement for one-on-one therapy with a mental health professional. If you are struggling with mental health issues, we welcome you on this journey, but also invite you to seek out professional help.
Looking for a therapist? Here’s a good place to start: psychologytoday.com

SHOW NOTES
In season 2 of That’s a Hard No, we’re making it a priority to dig deeper into the process of finding and utilizing the mental health support you may need. We’re taking some time to discuss with our “in-house expert,” Sarah Saunders, what to expect from therapy and all of its intricacies.
What to Do if Therapy Isn’t An Option
- Why Isn’t It? – Make sure to really dig in to the reasoning why therapy may not be an option for you.
- You may not be ready – and that’s ok!
- Cost – There are many FREE and accessible resources if this is a concern (see below).
- Feel too busy
- If Cost is Holding You Back – There are FREE options and it also may be more affordable than you think.
- Some therapists have sliding fee scales according to income.
- You should contact HR about coverage as some language can be difficult to understand (they may also have free resources).
- Training therapists – To become a counselor you need a number of therapy hours all under the supervision of someone licensed. You can reach out to a local university to see if they have students providing services.
- Pro bono work – Some therapists do provide services pro bono depending on the patient. It’s okay to be upfront to see if this is an option for you.
- FREE Resources- There are lots of different options, some better than others and many take research – but can be extremely accessible and helpful.
- Anonymous Groups – Alcoholics Anonymous, ALANON (for family members of the suffering from addiction), Codependent Anonymous – there are hundreds of different kinds to access depending on your particular needs
- Mom and Parenting Groups – MOPS groups are local groups for coming into school systems or mothers needing additional support, often with your healthcare providers there are lactation and new mom support groups as well
- County Based Groups – There many different free groups to provide those living in the county additional support
- Facebook Groups – Through research you can find virtual groups that can be very specific to your needs (parent to child with specific disability, parentless children, suffering from a parent with dementia) the list truly goes on
Credits and Thanks
- Many thanks to our friends and families (our “villagers”) for listening, and for your continued support.
- That’s a Hard No is a joint production of Clever Girl Marketing and Purposeful Growth & Wellness.
- Marketing and Production Coordinator, Maura Del Rosario.
- Production Support, Evergreen Podcasts, Noah Foutz, Producer.
- Music: “Whiskey for Lunch” by GG Rigs.