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Unpacking the Tradeoffs: Why Avoiding Therapy May Cost You More Down the Road

We often hear the refrain that “therapy is too expensive,” but the reality is much more complex. People may not understand the costs associated with running a therapy practice, how little therapists in Denver may be paid, or even the tradeoffs to not doing therapy. In this blog post, we’ll unpack these elements and explore why avoiding therapy might actually cost you more in the long run.

Low Pay for Most Therapists Is Changing

Therapists are essential to the well-being of individuals, couples, and families, providing guidance and support during times of crisis and personal growth. However, it’s alarming to learn that most therapists are significantly underpaid. This low pay not only affects the therapists themselves but also has wider implications for the quality and availability of mental health services.

Therapists dedicate a minimum of 7 years to education and training, then often end up in positions that pay equal to or less than those without a college degree. The average salary for a therapist in Denver is much lower than other comparable professions, such as physicians or attorneys. This not only undervalues the important work therapists do but also creates a barrier to entry for those who aspire to join the profession.

It is essential to recognize the value therapists bring to communities and ensure they are compensated fairly for their expertise and dedication. By investing in the mental health workforce, we can attract and retain top talent, provide better services to those in need, and ultimately improve the overall well-being of our society.

The High Costs of Running a Therapy Practice

Running a therapy practice comes with significant costs that are often overlooked. From rent and utilities to equipment and supplies, therapists have to bear the financial burden of maintaining a safe and welcoming space for their clients. These costs can quickly add up and take a toll on the therapist’s bottom line.

In addition to the physical expenses, there are also intangible costs associated with running a therapy practice. Therapists invest a significant amount of time and energy into building their practice, which means they often have to forgo other opportunities for income or personal growth. They may need to work long hours or take on additional responsibilities to keep their practice afloat.

Furthermore, therapists are also required to complete ongoing continued education credits which can be quite expensive. They have to attend conferences, workshops, and courses to stay updated on the latest research and techniques. These educational expenses are crucial to providing high-quality care to clients, but they can strain the therapist’s finances.

When we consider these high costs, it becomes clear that therapy is not an inexpensive service to provide. Therapists deserve fair compensation for the valuable work they do and the sacrifices they make. It is important for society to recognize the financial challenges therapists face and support them in creating a sustainable and thriving practice.

The True Value of Therapy: Tradeoffs to Consider

When considering whether or not therapy is too expensive for you, it’s important to weigh the tradeoffs that come with avoiding it. Therapy offers a unique opportunity for personal growth, self-reflection, and healing. By avoiding therapy, individuals may miss out on the chance to address underlying issues that can impact their overall well-being.

One tradeoff to consider is the potential for unresolved emotional or mental health issues to worsen over time. Ignoring or suppressing these issues can lead to increased distress, strained relationships, and even physical health problems. Therapy provides a safe space to explore and address these challenges, allowing individuals to develop healthier coping mechanisms and improve their quality of life.

Another tradeoff is the impact on relationships. Unresolved issues and unaddressed emotional wounds can strain relationships with partners, family members, and friends. By not seeking therapy, individuals may be missing out on the opportunity to improve communication skills, build stronger connections, and work through past traumas that may be affecting their current relationships.

Lastly, avoiding therapy can result in missed opportunities for personal growth and self-awareness. Therapy offers a space for individuals to gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their patterns, and their values. This self-reflection can lead to personal growth, increased self-esteem, and the ability to make healthier choices in various areas of life.

Overall, while therapy may come with a financial cost, the tradeoffs of not investing in therapy can have significant consequences for individuals’ mental, emotional, and relational well-being. It’s essential to recognize the true value of therapy and the long-term benefits it can provide.

The Consequences of Avoiding Therapy

Avoiding therapy can have significant consequences for individuals’ mental, emotional, and relational well-being. When we neglect our mental health, unresolved issues and untreated conditions can worsen over time. What may start as a small problem can grow into a larger and more distressing issue if left unaddressed. Ignoring our emotional well-being can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and even physical health problems.

Furthermore, avoiding therapy can strain our relationships with others. Unresolved emotional wounds and unaddressed issues can impact our ability to connect with and communicate effectively with our partners, family members, and friends. The lack of therapy may prevent us from developing healthy coping mechanisms and addressing past traumas that are affecting our current relationships.

Lastly, the tradeoff of avoiding therapy is missing out on opportunities for personal growth and self-awareness. Therapy provides a safe space for self-reflection and self-discovery. Without therapy, we may not gain a deeper understanding of ourselves, our patterns, and our values. This self-reflection is crucial for personal growth, increased self-esteem, and the ability to make healthier choices in various areas of our lives.

In summary, the consequences of avoiding therapy are far-reaching and can negatively impact our overall well-being. It is important to prioritize our mental health and invest in therapy to ensure a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

Making the Investment in Yourself: Long-Term Benefits of Therapy

When it comes to investing in your mental health, therapy is one of the most powerful and rewarding investments you can make. While therapy may come with a financial cost, the long-term benefits far outweigh any initial expenses. By choosing to prioritize your mental well-being through therapy, you are investing in yourself and your future happiness.

One of the long-term benefits of therapy is the opportunity for personal growth and self-awareness. Through therapy, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself, your patterns, and your values. This self-reflection can lead to increased self-esteem, improved decision-making skills, and a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment in life.

Therapy also equips you with invaluable coping mechanisms and tools to navigate life’s challenges. By developing healthier coping strategies, you can effectively manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. These skills not only improve your overall well-being but also have a positive ripple effect on your relationships and daily interactions.

Furthermore, therapy provides a safe space for healing past traumas and addressing unresolved emotional wounds. By working through these experiences, you can break free from patterns of self-sabotage and self-limitation. Therapy empowers you to let go of negative beliefs and behaviors that no longer serve you, allowing you to live a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Investing in therapy is ultimately an investment in your future happiness, well-being, and success. It is a commitment to prioritizing your mental health and creating a life that aligns with your true self. So, don’t let the upfront cost deter you. Consider the long-term benefits, and challenge the notion that therapy is too expensive in order to take that step towards a healthier and more fulfilling life .

Therapy in Denver at Connected Brain Counseling

Connected Brain Counseling is a therapy practice in Denver that is dedicated to providing high-quality mental health services to individuals, couples, and families. Our team of experienced and compassionate therapists are committed to helping clients navigate their mental health challenges and find a path towards healing and growth.

At Connected Brain Counseling, we understand the importance of affordable therapy options. We believe that everyone should have access to the support they need, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we offer a range of therapy services at different price points to accommodate different budgets.

Our therapists are highly trained and specialize in various areas, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, and more. We take a client-centered approach, tailoring our therapy techniques to meet each individual’s unique needs and goals.

When you choose therapy at Connected Brain Counseling, you are not just investing in yourself, but also in a community of support and understanding. Our therapists are dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions, build resilience, and discover your strengths.

If you’re ready to take the next step towards prioritizing your mental health, we invite you to contact us and schedule a consultation. Our team is here to support you on your journey towards a happier and healthier life.

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Pauly Munn, MA, LPC

Individual & Couples Counselor; Neurofeedback Clinician; EMDR-Trained (PhD Candidate)

Pauly is a Colorado native who received his MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Regis University, and is a current doctoral candidate for a PhD in Clinical Psychology program at Fielding Graduate University. Pauly is an empathetic counselor who believes in a compassionate, yet direct approach to therapy. Pauly believes his clients are the experts of their experience. Through a collaborative lens, clients who work with Pauly are able to gain meaningful insight into their experience which in-turn provides the essential resources for navigating change and/or healing emotional wounds. Pauly utilizes an integrated trauma-informed lens blended with evidence-based modalities including ACT, CBT, EFT, and more. Pauly specializes in working with adult individuals and couples, with several years of experience working directly with a broad range of presenting challenges including relationship challenges, PTSD & complex trauma, substance use disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, and more. More importantly, Pauly believes in building a safe space in which each and every one of his clients feels seen & heard. Pauly identifies as a Latino-American, and is passionate about conducting therapy utilizing a social justice & diversity-informed lens. Pauly has a strong background working with multicultural identities, and believes in the importance of recognizing our unique differences. Pauly loves staying active through basketball, tennis, volleyball, hiking, dancing, strength training, and more. Additionally, Pauly spends time actively engaging in ongoing research projects in trauma, social justice, and neuropsychology.

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Brianna Herrera, MA, LPCC

Individual & Couples Counselor; Neurofeedback Clinician

Brianna believes in a holistic approach to counseling, integrating mind, body, and spirit in her work with clients. She strives to help clients weave the various aspects of their lives together through a collaborative approach, meeting her clients where they’re at and partnering with them to create lasting change and a greater sense of wholeness in their lives. Brianna seeks to create a grounding and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences with freedom and authenticity. She embraces a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities to best meet her clients’ specific needs and goals, such as trauma-informed CBT, DBT, mindfulness-based techniques, solution-focused therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and humanistic approaches. In her work with couples, Brianna focuses on helping partners improve communication, strengthen their emotional connection, and navigate challenges such as conflict resolution, intimacy issues, and life transitions. She believes that life-giving, functioning relationships are foundational to a person’s sense of well-being. Brianna is certified in facilitating both SYMBIS and Prepare-Enrich couples counseling sessions. In her free time, she can often be found adventuring outside with her husband and pup, hosting a game night, or enjoying time with community.

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Sydney Focht, MA, LPC

Clinical Director & Counselor

I specialize in working with women in their 20s to 50s who struggle with self-worth, self-esteem, and the guilt that often comes with prioritizing themselves. Finding self-trust and the ability to feel worthy of happiness are common topics in my work. My clients tend to put off therapy because they downplay their struggles, describing their pain as ‘not that big of a deal.’ Many of them grew up in households where expressing emotions wasn’t encouraged and they are still looking for security now. My goal is to create a space where you feel completely free to be yourself—no pressure, no expectations. Therapy with me isn’t about either of us being ‘perfect’—it’s more about you feeling safe, seen, and supported as you figure things out in a way that works for you. I prioritize meaningful conversations that get to the heart of the issue, getting to the root and out of surface level conversation quickly. Going through my own therapy has given me a deeper understanding of what it’s like to be in the client’s seat, and it’s made me even more passionate about helping others find the support that truly works for them. My clients describe me as focused, compassionate, nonjudgmental, and down-to-earth. I truly love what I do and that comes through in my work! I’m a person-centered therapist, but I often integrate elements of Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and IFS.

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Cassandra Keller, MA, LPCC

Neurofeedback Clinician & Counselor (EMDR-Trained)

I support adults and teens (15+) who are ready to find relief from trauma, anxiety, depression, or feeling stuck in life, career, or identity transitions. Using a compassionate, trauma-informed, and integrative approach, I help clients reconnect with themselves and move toward balance and resilience. I’m EMDR-trained and draw from person-centered, gestalt, DBT, and somatic practices. Whether we’re working with the nervous system, processing painful memories, or exploring patterns with curiosity, my goal is to create a safe, collaborative space where you feel supported, present, and empowered to grow. I especially enjoy working with athletes, creative people, students, and outdoor adventurers who value resilience, beauty, and balance. Alongside therapy and grounding practices, I also offer neurofeedback as another powerful pathway for nervous system regulation and healing. Outside the office, you’ll often find me climbing, fly fishing, running trails, foraging, or relaxing in the grass under the aspens. My love for movement, play, and nature continually inspires how I show up with clients.

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