Finding Time for Therapy
Life rarely slows down, and finding time to prioritize mental health can feel impossible.
Between work deadlines, family responsibilities, and the endless to-do list, scheduling therapy often gets pushed aside—even when you know you need it most.
This blog explores practical ways to start individual therapy, make space for your emotional well-being, and keep it a priority even in the busiest seasons of life. From overcoming common barriers to finding a local therapist in Redondo Beach who understands your needs, we’ll share simple, realistic steps to help you begin and maintain a path toward lasting mental wellness.
Table of Contents
The Cult of Productivity
In today’s world, being busy is often worn as a badge of honor. Productivity is celebrated, while rest and downtime are seen as indulgences or even signs of laziness. This mindset pushes many adults to fill every moment with work, obligations, or constant activity, often ignoring the toll it takes on mental health.
The pressure to always do more can make it hard to notice when stress, anxiety, or exhaustion are creeping in. Over time, this nonstop pace leaves little space to pause, recharge, or acknowledge what you really need—creating a cycle where wellness keeps getting pushed to “later.”
Self-Neglect in Daily Life
Many adults become so focused on keeping up with responsibilities—work, family, social obligations—that their own needs are the first to be sacrificed. Meals are skipped, sleep is cut short, and moments of rest are constantly postponed. Over time, this pattern of self-neglect becomes so normalized that it feels easier to ignore emotional health than to address it.
The cost is often high. Unprocessed stress builds up, small concerns turn into bigger ones, and life starts to feel overwhelming. Making space for mental well-being isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. Recognizing this pattern is an important step toward breaking it and creating room for genuine balance and care.
Finding a Local Therapist
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming when you don’t know where to begin. The process gets easier when you start your search locally, narrowing your options to therapists in Redondo Beach or the South Bay who can meet your needs. Here are a few ways to begin:
Use Trusted Directories: Platforms like Psychology Today and ZocDoc allow you to filter by specialty, location, and availability. Other organizations such as EMDRIA have their own therapist directories to ensure you are finding a qualified provider.
Check Google Maps and Yelp: Searching “individual therapy near me” or “therapists in Redondo Beach” can help you find local providers and read reviews.
Ask for Referrals: Friends, family, or even primary care providers often know therapists in the South Bay area they can recommend.
Reach Out Directly: Many practices, including Catherine Alvarado, LMFT & Associates, are happy to answer questions or provide referrals if you’re searching for a specific type of support.
Finding someone nearby makes it easier to keep therapy consistent, reducing commute time and helping you fit mental health support into an already busy schedule.
Making Time for Individual Therapy
Carving out time for therapy isn’t always easy, especially when every day already feels overscheduled. But mental health deserves the same priority as physical health, and setting aside an hour a week can make a profound difference.
One approach is to think of therapy as a standing commitment, much like a doctor’s appointment or an important meeting that doesn’t get pushed aside. Many therapists in Redondo Beach and the South Bay also offer evening or virtual sessions, making it easier to fit counseling into your existing schedule. Even starting with one session can build momentum, helping you create space for your emotional well-being without completely overhauling your life.
Finding small ways to integrate therapy into your week—like choosing a location close to work or home—can make the process feel manageable and sustainable over time.
Getting Started with Therapy
Starting therapy doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The first step can be as simple as reaching out to a local therapist, asking questions, and exploring what kind of support feels right for you. Taking that initial action is often the hardest part—but it opens the door to relief, clarity, and long-term well-being.
At Catherine Alvarado, LMFT & Associates, we offer individual therapy in Redondo Beach and throughout the South Bay, making it easier to find compassionate, accessible support close to home. Whether you’re navigating stress, anxiety, or major life changes, scheduling that first session is a meaningful step toward taking care of yourself.
Until next time, don’t forget to take care of yourself.
– – Catherine Alvarado, LMFT
About the Author
Catherine Alvarado, LMFT is a licensed psychotherapist, EMDR Certified Therapist, and Consultant-in-Training (CIT) in Redondo Beach, CA. Beyond the pages of the blogs, Catherine Alvarado, LMFT & Associates offers in-person and virtual therapy services for adolescents and teens of Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, El Segundo, and the rest of the South Bay area.
If you are experiencing distress, reach out today to schedule a free phone consultation.
