Counselors near Turner, OR

Biography: I am licensed in Oregon with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Biography: With over 30 years of experience as a therapist, I offer a seasoned combination of wisdom, current relevance and flexible interventions. I have seen trends come and go in the fields of psychology and counseling, so I like to identify your particular needs and tailor treatment modalities to your unique circumstances and expectations. I enjoy helping people discover their true needs/desires and pursuing their dreams, potential and meeting their life goals. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression. trauma and neurodiversity (autism, ADHD, traumatic brain injury, etc.). I enjoy working with individuals of all age and work mostly with longer-term clients who are interested in lasting, life growth work. I own an autism consulting business and am a Certified Autism Specialist, a Board Certified Telemental Health Provider, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and a Clinical Supervisor (for AL). I have worked in multiple settings - inpatient, outpatient, day treatment, residential, in-home, private practice and, of course, virtual. My pioneering work with online counseling in the 90s (pre-Google!) was featured on Oprah's network and in Glamour Magazine, so I come to you with the highest of standards in the field. I typically use cognitive-behavioral therapy, skills-building from dialectical-behavioral therapy and neuroeducation (teaching about how your mind-body chemicals spur your feelings which lead to thoughts, behaviors and habits). I believe that people change when they're ready - my goal is to help you get ready to change and then to support you through change. You know you can't directly change others, but you CAN change yourself - and by doing so, you help change the world for the better, one step at a time. And it all starts with you! Let's create a treatment plan that is both realistic and challenging for you - one that involves a precise balance of safety and risk, comfort and courage. My clients say I'm easy and fun to work with because of the combination of my personality, professional and personal experience...and thus I use a balanced combination of compassion, reality and humor. Change is hard enough - why not make it fun, meaningful and enjoy the journey? I look forward to working with you! Ready? Set....Grow!!

Biography: I approach helping someone by working in whichever ways are the most effective for that individual. This is often a combination of changing thoughts, accessing feelings, and changing behaviors. I also emphasize identifying and developing strengths. I provide both therapy and career counseling. I am licensed as a therapist (LMFT) in Oregon and California, and as a counselor (LPC) in Oregon. My experience as a therapist includes helping clients find relief from depression, grief, anxiety, and stress. My clients have resolved conflicts and developed healthy boundaries in relationships at home and at work. And I specialize in teaching (ACT) skills that improve mindfulness, coping skills, and impulse control. The career counseling I offer involves helping clients identify, and work through, whatever is holding them back from developing and implementing an engaging and meaningful career strategy. Career therapy often addresses issues such as difficulty making a career decision, motivation development, the influences of family on career, and strengths development.

Biography: Sometimes we really want growth, change and/or to just feel better, but we can be scared to take those first steps to making change. I am here to help you navigate through new, changing and/or challenging waters. I am a licensed clinical social worker in Texas with 10 years of experience working as a therapist, I also have had a good career as a college professor and special education teacher. I am a nurturing individual who also can be direct which is a plus if you want to reach your goals with the help of someone with a broad base of experience and approaches to effect change. It is important to know yourself and your social world and I am here to help with that growth. My first love led me to a graduate degree in sociology and I bring that nuance to the conversation which has proven helpful (and a bit fun!) My counseling style is direct, and interactive and solution focused. In our therapeutic relationship you are the captain and I am the first mate- we make choices and action plans together for your good and to help you reach the highest evolution of self possible. My approach to the work we do together combines Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), psychodynamic and reality therapy . Together, we tailor our conversations and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Biography: I am licensed in Idaho, Washington and Oregon with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Biography: I am licensed in Oregon with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Biography: With 14 years of professional experience, I have been through it, and can help find a way... Let's start where you're at and we can keep taking it one step at a time. I specialize in trauma-informed and somatic practices, using focused mindfulness and self-inquiry to find meaning and freedom. Reliably!!

Biography: I am licensed in Oregon with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Biography: I am licensed in New York and Rhode Island with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Biography: David has a very diverse background. In addition to Masters in Mental Health Counseling, he has a Maters in Biology/Biochemistry and worked in Research. David changed fields and worked 25 years as a radiochemist which combined nuclear chemistry and physics. As a counselor his background has been very beneficial in understanding the processes underlying behavior and mental health. As a result of his work in industry David has good people skills which are essential in working with clients with mental health issues. David provides an eclectic approach in counseling theory and uses Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Counseling, Schema Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy. He is trained in Biofeedback and Neurofeedback which are good tools to help clients with issues such as depression, anxiety disorders and addiction. David's initial approach is to develop a trusting relationship with the client. He then works with the client to identify the specific issues. A treatment plan is developed to address these issues. As treatment proceeds this plan may be revised as specific issues come up. When the client completes the plan, he will be reassessed. Depending on the clients progress the client may be discharged with specific goals to work on. If there are still unresolved issues a new treatment plan will be developed and treatment continued. If there are issues that require a different approach David may refer the client to another counselor that specializes in the client's specific issues. On a personal level David has three adult children and two grandsons. David was raised in the mountains of Wyoming and has a place south of Jackson Hole which he spends as much time as he can. There his closest neighbors are elk, moose, and wolves. David lives most of the time in Boise. He has been fortunate to have traveled the world a great deal spending time in South East Asia and China. He recently spent time in Tuscany and in Malta. He still skis, canoes, loves to fly fish and generally spend time in nature.

Biography: Hi, I'm Joyce Duval, and I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and approved supervisor with the Oregon Board of licensed professional counselors and therapists. I am also a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Washington. In my over 25 years of experience, I have worked with clients with a wide range of life problems and mental health disorders. I take a client-centered approach and emphasize positive counselor-client relationships. I use cognitive-behavioral approaches, including dialectical behavior therapy. I am a warm and caring person. My style includes listening for meaning and feeling and helping my clients problem solve, develop coping skills, and find solutions to their concerns and problems. I find mindfulness super helpful when it comes to feeling more at ease, more relaxed, more present, and overall, happier. I am happy to help you problem solve, manage your symptoms like anxiety and depression, and in general help you create the life you want for yourself. I would like to support you as you work toward meeting your life goals. Please let me know if I can be of help. Joyce

Biography: I am licensed in Oregon with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Biography: I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with adolescents, adults and couples. I have a passion for helping people to examine their history and patterns in order to find the true center of the issues that are hindering them. I explore the various ways in one's life that symptoms present, and to work to understand the function and underlying meanings. Using that understanding, I aim to help my clients develop lifelong skills to take control of their behavior and live fulfilling lives. I'm trained in mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral and psycho-dynamic therapies. I use a holistic approach to therapy and have extensive experience in various settings working with relational issues, blended families, anxiety, depression and life transitions. You've taken the first step in looking for help, reach out to see if I can help you get to where you'd like to be. I'm happy to answer any questions you might have about this process.

Biography: I am licensed in Oklahoma, Oregon and Utah with 14 years of professional work experience in this field with 11 of those years as a licensed psychotherapist. My approach focuses heavily on emotional intelligence, self awareness and meeting you where you are now while looking to your history for insights and motivation. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence and behavioral activation. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Biography: I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker from Boston, Massachusetts (and also licensed in Nevada and Arizona) with fourteen years of experience in providing psychotherapy. I have worked with all different kinds of people, and I have helped them with a variety of challenges and mental health problems. I have post-graduate training in several types of treatment, including cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, as well as an academic background from New York University in psycho-dynamic treatment. I know that no two people are the same, so there is no cookie-cutter approach to therapy. When I work with you, my preferred approach is to work together to find the unique approach that works best for you. I like to combine support, empathy and humor with skills-building, problem solving and mindfulness to help people better manage overwhelming emotions and improve their relationships - without any judgment. My goal is to help put you back in the driver's seat of your life and gain mastery over your feelings and relationships. I know how important it is to build a strong and trusting relationship with a therapist, and I provide both validation and truthful insights to my clients. Most of all, I strongly believe in a strengths-based, person-centered approach that recognizes each person's unique abilities and helps them to reach their highest potential. What I love about online therapy is that it's so flexible. When you reach out to me, I will be in touch with you within 24 hours, so you can message me any time, anywhere. I am available for live sessions over instant messenger, telephone or video chat. When it comes to your treatment, you're in charge - we can communicate in whatever way makes you feel most comfortable. It takes a lot of courage to reach out for help. I know that together we can overcome any obstacles you are facing and put you on the path to a happier, calmer and more satisfying life. I promise to be right by your side every step of the way on your journey, and that we will work at your pace. I am excited to work with you!

Biography: I am licensed in Florida, Oklahoma and Oregon with 10 years of professional work experience. My certifications include Master Certified Addiction Counselor, Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, National Certified Counselor and Licensed Practitioner of the Healing Arts. I have experience in helping clients with addictions, relationship issues, career difficulties, coping with life changes, executive coaching, spiritual issues, aging, bereavement/hospice/death, anxiety, depression, loneliness, socialization, holistic mental health solutions and professional coaching. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey, and will share my mental and spiritual health knowledge and tools to help remind you of the truths you have within yourself.

Biography: I am a therapist that is comfortable working with adults along the age continuum. I have experience working with people that are just trying to cope with an unexpected event to those struggling with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness. I believe that everyone, no matter what the reason they ask for help, deserves to have the best possible experience for them. It may be that you need someone to listen or be a sounding board while you figure things out, or you may want someone to work with you to chart a path to recovery. I can be both and everything in between. I prefer you tell me what your goal is and then together we come up with a plan to get you there. I have spent much of my time working with older adults as I have a Gerontology degree with special training for Advanced Behaviors and Cognitive Care so that I am better equipped to work with those with a dementia diagnosis and their loved ones. I have also spent much time leading grief support groups and assisting those facing a loss, either through death or otherwise. I believe in using a strengths-based approach as everyone that I meet has 100% success rate for getting through the tough times to date. I applaud that resiliency and help focus on healthier coping skills going forward. Sometimes the tools that we use to get through the tough times are not ones we want to keep, such as smoking, drinking or over eating. We can work to replace those with healthier options. It is not easy to reach out for help and I promise that I will always listen. We will work on a plan together to reach the goals that you set for yourself and your life. Whether it be anxiety or depression, feeling overwhelmed or experiencing a loss, I believe in providing you with my undivided attention so that I can better understand what you are experiencing and what you are seeking. I look forward to working with you and helping you look forward to a more rewarding and fulfilling life.

Biography: I am William Keeler, but I go by Will. I have a Masters in Social Work from Eastern Washington University and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Oregon. I have worked with adults and children and teenagers for over 7 years as part of community mental health. I have extensive experience using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing and a variety of other modalities. My style is listen and understand first and help people to find their own answers and provide direction when it is needed. I know that many people struggle and if today is the day that you want to change something, then I'm excited for you and want to help you on your own journey. I have young children who take up almost all of my extra time, but with the time left over I enjoy reading, playing video games and board games. I look forward to getting to know you and working with you and wish you well on your life's journey.

Biography: **PLEASE NOTE: I am unavailable for VIDEO or PHONE sessions at this time. You can still work with me via live messaging sessions or text/email messages.** I am licensed in Oregon with 9 years of professional experience. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. My main goal is to help you get in touch with yourself as the leader of your life and to connect to a sense of deep clarity regarding what a high-quality existence looks like for you.

Biography: I am a positive, pragmatic, relational therapist who will meet you where you are at. My goal is to give you support through life's ups and downs. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. My Christian faith is very important to me and is a big part of who I am. Even though I have a strong faith my purpose is not to evangelize but respect each client's own belief system. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Care Philosophy: Brightside Health is a fully online mental health practice providing life-changing care for anxiety, depression, & related conditions through personalized Psychiatry & Therapy services available to all 50 states. Appointments are available in as little as 24 hours - including evening, night, & weekend availability. Recently named the "Best online psychiatry service of 2024" by Forbes, EverydayHealth, & Yahoo. Brightside Health specializes in depression & anxiety, as well as a wide range of related conditions, including: Bipolar Disorder, Panic Disorder & Attacks, Phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Postpartum Depression, Social Anxiety, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Insomnia, & Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). *Please note Brightside can treat ADHD but does not offer diagnoses or controlled substances for the treatment of ADHD, such as Adderall. Brightside also cannot treat Schizophrenia, or any symptoms of psychosis

Biography: I am licensed in Missouri with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, family conflicts, & anger management. I also have experience working with career difficulties. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Biography: Hi there! My name is Allie (she/they). I truly admire the effort you've put into seeking support on your mental health journey. That's how I view this workcollaborative and centered on *you*. You are the expert of your own life, and I bring my training and lived experience to help support your goalswhatever they may be. If you're not quite sure what those goals are yet, that's completely okay. We can explore and define them together. I hold a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Minnesota State University, Mankato. I specialize in working with transgender and gender-diverse individuals, polyamorous clients, and neurodivergent clients, including those with ADHD and Autism. My work often focuses on challenges related to attachment trauma, sexual identity, and executive dysfunctionbut I don't reduce people to their diagnoses. I am also passionate about empowering fat and plus-size individuals to feel confident and at home in their bodies, just as they are, free from judgment and harmful societal narratives. Additionally, I am kink-positive and strive to create a space where all expressions of consensual sexuality are respected and supported. My therapeutic approach draws from Internal Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, and Experiential/Creative Arts. I ground my work in humanistic and Buddhist philosophies, valuing presence, compassion, and the inherent worth of every individual.

Biography: I am licensed in Alabama, Arizona, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Washington with 15 years of professional clinical, counseling, and coaching experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & depression. I also have experience working with clients coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Biography: We've all had difficult experiences. These experiences can cause pain and suffering. I believe we can heal from these experiences and grow from them, becoming more of who we truly are and want to be. I have worked with a large range of life circumstances including anxiety, depression, medical illnesses, grief, self-esteem, LGBT and loss. In these painful experiences we all are faced with healing that pain. Through my academic studies, professional work and personal life experiences I have come to believe that healing is something which can be learned. My focus in counseling has been with individuals, couples and/or a group as a guide for people as they are healing through life. Empowerment over life comes through thinking clearly and making wise choices. Unfortunately, problems can become so overwhelming that it is difficult to accomplish either one of these. We will focus on your goals and move at a pace that is comfortable for you. I can offer tools and suggestions for relief from many common and not-so common problems. I understand that a one-size-fits-all therapy approach is not always useful, so I will work with you to create personalized goals that fit with your experience. As a committed provider of therapy, I take pride in offering the best care possible. I value all forms of diversity and encourage you to bring all aspects of yourself into our work together.

Biography: Hello; thank you for taking the time to view my profile. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20 plus years of clinical experience working as a Mental Health Therapist . I have worked with clients experiencing a wide range of concerns to include: those dealing with the impact of past emotional or physical trauma, grief issues, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life and career challenges. I have worked in several clinical settings to include: non profits, hospital/clinical settings and schools. I also have experience with individuals who have been dealing with a long term mental challenge such as Bi-Polar D/O and Schizophrenia. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion; I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, mindfulness, acceptance/commitment and rational-emotive therapies. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I believe it takes courage to seek help and take the first steps in building the foundations for a more fulfilling life. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Biography: Devoted to not only assist you in embarking on a journey of self-discovery, but also, ways in which you can best utilize the gifts that you possess! I am an ambitious, strength based counselor yearning to change the ways that we view mental health. I graduated from Lenoir Rhyne University where I obtained a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. My professional credentials include Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in North Carolina, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Oregon, Qualified Supervisor (QS), Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS), and Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS) in the state of North Carolina. My expertise stems in the treatment and management of co-occurring disorders, of which include experience in working with low motivation/self-esteem, life adjustments, trauma-related difficulties, anxiety/depression, substance use difficulties, as well as aspects of various mood and personality disorders (borderline, narcissistic, etc)! Although I consider myself to have knowledge in several treatment interventions, I utilize a combination of strength based and behavioral interventions, of which include Solution Focused Therapy, Reality Therapy with Choice Theory, as well as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (CBT/DBT). My approaches to counseling are grounded in holistic wellness and choice theory. Holistic approaches include inquiry about different aspects that make up your life and that you believe contribute to making you well or less well. These areas are integrative health approaches that focus on mental, body, spiritual, emotional, and connection wellness. I also harness skills to allow for further assessment and inquiry surrounding informed food choices, potential food allergies, as well as supplementation to aid with mental health improvements. Choice theory is an approach that focuses on our motivation to pursue a never-ending quest to satisfy 5 basic needs woven into our genes: to love and belong, to be powerful, to be free, to have fun and to survive. I encourage all individuals to lean into the collaborative process between therapist and client to find solutions to better your mental health. This therapy pursuit also facilitates a process of taking responsibility for the perceptions and responsibilities of choices in your life. I adopt philosophies that adopt a bio-psycho-social lens to most assist individuals in taking ownership of their lives once again.

Biography: I am currently licensed in Iowa and Nebraska with over 26 years of professional work experience. The bulk of my career has been in community-based settings as I felt this type of setting was where I could give back to those that have helped me and my family of origin. I had a mother that was bi-polar and had a significant borderline personality disorder. Her first major hospitalization occurred following my birth. I have grown up in the Midwest but have lived in California and South Carolina as well as serving in the US military with one deployment to Afghanistan in which I served as the highest-ranking enlisted member of the Human Intelligence component of a Brigade Combat Team. I have a grown gay son and feel that my own healing process in coming to terms with my feelings toward my mentally ill mother were greatly facilitated by friendships in the queer community and feel a great depth of gratitude and respect for this community. I have been divorced, struggled with my own addiction, co-dependency and mental health issues throughout my lifetime and have carried various mental health diagnoses at different times in my life as well. I don't look at myself as complete expert on life but to quote Brene' Brown: "I might just be a little further down the road in recovery is all". I view therapy as more of an art form in that there are skills and techniques that can be learned and applied to the work of art that is being created, but it is the process involved that brings out the beauty of the final product. I understand the importance of being heard and feel that a person's truth can emerge through a collective experience in the interaction and engagement with another human being. I hope to bring my experience in life and working with others to your life experience. I view it as a privilege to be able to be a part of the understanding of another person's life and hope to be part of this journey with you.

Biography: I am licensed in Michigan with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Biography: I am licensed in Arizona, Ohio, Oregon, Nevada and Virginia and with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in a variety of areas, including but not limited to: anxiety, depression, relationship issues, stress management, and trauma. I have a passion for helping individuals navigate their emotions and life experiences to achieve their personal goals. My approach is personalized and evidence-based, and I utilize techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy to help clients make positive changes in their lives. I believe in a collaborative and non-judgmental approach to therapy and am dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for all clients. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and support you on your journey. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Biography: I am licensed in Texas and Washington DC with over 20 years professional social work experience and 8 years as a licensed clinical social worker. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, relationship, parenting issues, chronic illnesses and depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. We will explore those thoughts which might be causing you uneasyness and find ways to change our perceptions. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!