“Yes” and “no” are two of the clearest words in the English language, but they can also be two of the most opaque. “Yes,” for example, can come in a variety of forms. “Yes” can be big and heartfelt, small and scared, or twisted with anger. When you say “yes,” do you always know what kind of “yes” you’re saying? And if it is a scared or angry “yes,” why aren’t you saying “no” instead? Learning to say “no” can be transformative because it means overcoming the fear or guilt that

To a psychologist, it seems obvious that those seeking to improve their lives would be eager to start therapy. However, the fact is that three common and normal fears often prevent people from getting started. First, you may be anxious about sharing your personal history with a stranger, especially if it includes painful memories. It may be reassuring to know that being in therapy does not in any way obligate you to spill all your secrets. The goal is to help you improve your