I'm Too Embarrassed to Talk About My Feelings

Feeling embarrassed about opening up is one of the most common reasons people put off counselling.

You might worry that your problems aren't important enough, that you'll sound silly or that once you say something out loud you'll be judged. Perhaps you've spent years keeping your feelings to yourself and the thought of sharing them with someone else feels uncomfortable, even frightening.

If that's how you're feeling, you're not alone.

Embarrassment often tells us that something feels deeply personal or vulnerable. It doesn't mean your feelings are wrong or that you shouldn't talk about them. In fact, many people begin counselling by saying they're embarrassed to be there.

The good news is that you don't have to tell me everything in your first session. You don't even have to talk about the thing you're most worried about straight away. We start wherever feels manageable for you.

Sometimes people begin by talking about everyday life before gradually moving towards what's really on their mind. Others tell me they're feeling embarrassed before they tell me why. That's okay too. We can explore the embarrassment itself if that's where you need to begin.

There isn't a right way to do therapy or a deadline for sharing difficult things. Trust develops over time and as it grows, many people find themselves talking about things they once believed they could never say out loud.

Whatever you're carrying, I won't think you're silly, dramatic or "too much". My role isn't to judge you. It's to offer a space where you can speak honestly, at your own pace, knowing you'll be met with warmth, acceptance and respect.

Often, the thing you've been most embarrassed to say is the very thing that becomes easier to carry once someone has listened without judgement.

At Pebbleshed Therapy, I offer online person-centred counselling for adults across the UK. If you've been thinking about therapy but feel embarrassed about opening up, you're welcome to book a free 20-minute initial consultation. It's a relaxed opportunity to ask questions, find out how I work and see whether we'd like to work together, with no obligation to book further sessions.