Carrie Jones, LPC - LifeVision Counseling, LLC

Licensed Professional Counselor in Richmond, Virginia

Tag: therapist

Unconditional Positive Regard

Imagine walking into a space where you’re truly accepted for who you are—no judgments, no pressure to be perfect, just pure acceptance. This is what we call *unconditional positive regard* in counseling, and it’s at the heart of every good therapy relationship.

What is Unconditional Positive Regard?

Unconditional positive regard is a fancy way of saying that I, as your counselor, respect and accept you, no matter what. I won’t judge you based on your past mistakes, your struggles, or any labels you might put on yourself. I’m here to see *you*—as a whole, valuable person.

This doesn’t mean I think every choice is a great one or that I’ll always agree with you. But it does mean that my care for you is unconditional. You don’t need to change, impress, or do anything to earn my acceptance.

Why It Matters

For a lot of people, therapy is the first time they’ve felt fully accepted for who they are. And that experience can be incredibly powerful. Here’s why:

1. It Creates Safety

Knowing you won’t be judged helps you open up. You can let down your guard, be honest, and share the parts of yourself you might usually hide. This safety is where real healing begins.

2. It Helps You Accept Yourself

When someone accepts you as you are, it becomes easier to accept yourself. My hope is that, over time, you’ll start to feel a little less self-critical and a little kinder to yourself.

3. It Supports Real Change

Ironically, change often happens when we feel safe to just *be.* You can explore what you really want for yourself, rather than what others expect of you.

A Safe Harbor

Think of unconditional positive regard like a safe harbor in a stormy sea. When life gets tough, you know there’s a place you can come to where you’re not expected to be perfect. You can relax, breathe, and show up as your real self.

Building a Judgment-Free Relationship

In our sessions, my goal isn’t to “fix” you or tell you what to do. It’s to create a space where you can explore, reflect, and find your own path. This relationship of trust and non-judgment is what makes therapy a unique and life-changing experience.

Embracing Your Worth

We all carry regrets, insecurities, and pressures. But in a space of unconditional positive regard, you can start to let go of that weight. You can begin to see yourself as deserving of kindness, acceptance, and love.

If this kind of space sounds like what you need, feel free to reach out. There’s a judgment-free zone waiting for you.

10 Things You Can Absolutely Do In Online Therapy With Me

When you imagine therapy, you might picture a traditional setting: a cozy couch, a box of tissues, and maybe even a bit of nervous fidgeting. But with online therapy, things can be more comfortable! Whether you’re logging in from your living room or tuning in from your car, online sessions offer some surprising freedoms. Here are ten things you can totally do in online therapy with me that might just make the experience even more enjoyable and effective.

1. Come as You Are – Pajamas Encouraged!
Maybe your morning’s been a bit of a marathon, or you’re wrapping up a long day. In online therapy, you can show up more relaxed—pajamas, sweats, or your comfiest hoodie are totally welcome. The goal is for you to feel comfortable and present, and if that means dressing down, more power to you!

2. Cry It Out (With Zero Embarrassment)
Crying in therapy is totally normal, and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Being in a comfortable, familiar environment during a session often makes it easier to express yourself fully. Plus, you’ve got your own tissue stash, favorite blanket, or even a pet nearby for extra comfort.

3. Laugh—A Lot
Therapy isn’t all serious talk; in fact, humor can play a huge role in the healing process! Feel free to laugh, crack jokes, or share that funny story. The goal is for you to feel genuine and engaged, and if that includes laughter, let it out!

4. Curse if You Need To
Sometimes, strong language is just the right way to express how you’re feeling. If you need to let out a few choice words to describe a situation, go for it. I’m here for all of it, unfiltered. Being able to express yourself without editing gives us a clearer picture of what’s going on and can be a big release!

5. Show Up in Curlers, Messy Hair, or Whatever Feels Right
Online therapy means less focus on appearances and more on the conversation. Whether you’re fresh out of bed or prepped for a big night out, you’re free to show up however feels best. This is a space for authenticity, not a runway.

6. Log in from Unique Spots – Yes, Even Your Car
Sometimes, the car is the perfect quiet spot, whether it’s during a lunch break or before you head home. Many clients log in from their parked cars, especially when they need a private space away from home distractions. There’s something comforting about knowing you can talk from a variet of places where you feel safe and comfortable.

7. Bring Your Favorite Comfort Items
One of the best things about online therapy is that it’s held in your own space. Whether you need a favorite blanket, your go-to stuffed animal, or your favorite mug of tea, bring it to your session. These familiar items can make a big difference in helping you feel more grounded and open.

8. Take Breaks to Breathe or Regroup
Sometimes, talking about difficult topics can be intense. If you need a moment to pause, take a deep breath, or even stand up and stretch, that’s okay! Online therapy gives you the flexibility to take those moments without feeling self-conscious.

9. Bring Your Pet to Therapy
Pets are natural therapy buddies. Feel free to invite your furry (or scaly!) friend to join. Many clients feel that having their pet nearby helps them feel supported and calm, and we know how to incorporate these beloved companions into our sessions. Pets get us, too.

10. Let Your Guard Down and Be You
Perhaps the best thing about online therapy is the chance to let down any guards you might have. Without the formality of an office setting, many clients feel more comfortable opening up and getting to the heart of what they’re dealing with. And that’s what we’re here for.

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Therapy doesn’t need to be traditional or stuffy to be effective. Sometimes, the comfort of being in your own space can make it easier to open up, process, and even grow. So show up as you are, let the laughter or tears flow, and make this time work for you, exactly as you need it to.

What Even Is “Therapy?”

Therapy. It’s a word that gets thrown around a lot, but do you really know what it means? For many, the idea of therapy is surrounded by misconceptions. Some might think it’s only for people who are “broken” or in crisis, while others imagine therapy as just talking to someone who nods and asks, “How does that make you feel?” But therapy is so much more than that. In fact, it’s one of the most powerful tools we have for creating lasting change, gaining deeper self-awareness, and living a more fulfilling life.

If you’re new to therapy or considering it for the first time, let’s break down what it really is—and how it can help you.

Therapy is a Safe Space

At its core, therapy is a safe and confidential space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors without judgment. It’s a dedicated time for you to explore yourself: your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, perceptions, and experiences. It’s a place where you can say things you might not be able to say to friends, family, or even your partner. You don’t have to worry about being judged, criticized, or misunderstood. Your therapist is there to listen, support, and guide you through whatever challenges or concerns you’re facing.

We all carry thoughts, feelings, and past experiences that shape who we are. Sometimes, these can be difficult to navigate alone. Therapy gives you the space to process these aspects of yourself with someone trained to help you make sense of it all.

Therapy is About Growth, Not Just Crisis

One common myth about therapy is that it’s only for when things are falling apart. While therapy can absolutely help during times of crisis, it’s also incredibly beneficial for personal growth and self-improvement. You don’t need to wait for a major life event to start therapy. Maybe you’re feeling stuck in your job, want to improve your relationships, or simply want to understand yourself better. Therapy helps with all of that.

Think of therapy as an investment in your mental and emotional health—just like exercise is an investment in your physical health. You wouldn’t wait until your body was in pain to start working out, right? Therapy works the same way.

Therapy is Collaborative

It’s important to understand that therapy is a collaborative process. You and your therapist work together to identify your goals, whether that’s reducing anxiety, improving communication skills, managing stress, or dealing with trauma. Together, you’ll explore patterns, challenge negative thinking, and develop new strategies for coping with life’s challenges.

A therapist doesn’t tell you what to do or “fix” you. Instead, they help you uncover the answers that are already within you. Therapy is about empowerment—giving you the tools and insights you need to make positive changes in your life.

Therapy is a Journey

It’s important to remember that therapy is a journey. Some trips are short and easy and others are longer and more winding with a few hills or mountains. But with patience and commitment, therapy can lead to profound, lasting changes.

Whether you’re looking for help with specific issues like anxiety or depression, or you simply want to understand yourself on a deeper level, therapy provides the opportunity for real transformation. You’ll discover new ways to think, feel, and act in your daily life, helping you break free from old patterns and create a more fulfilling future.

Is Therapy Right for You?

If you’ve been thinking about therapy, now is the time to take the next step. Whether you’re struggling with stress, relationship issues, or just feeling like something in your life isn’t quite right, therapy can help you find clarity and direction. It’s not about being “broken” or needing to be fixed—it’s about discovering your best self and learning how to navigate life’s ups and downs with more confidence and resilience.

Don’t wait for the perfect moment to start therapy. There’s never a “right” time to begin; the most important thing is that you’re open to it. If you’re ready to explore what therapy can do for you, let’s connect. Together, we can work toward creating the change you’re seeking, one step at a time.

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