Navigating Therapy in a Close-Knit Community
Starting therapy can bring up a lot of questions, especially when you and your therapist live in the same community. If you’re considering therapy with me at The Anxious Owl, you might wonder: What if I see my therapist in public? Will others know I’m in therapy? How do I engage with my therapist while maintaining my privacy? I’m here to help you feel at ease as we navigate this together.
Community Living and Shared Spaces
Living and working in Palmas Del Mar; a warm, tightly-knit, gated neighborhood—means I’m used to running into neighbors in all sorts of places. As a veteran who’s navigated military life both in and out of uniform, I’ve learned that community is more than just a place to call home, it’s a way of life. We might bump into each other at the beach, stroll side by side on the walking trails, cool off at the pool, or gather for a local event. Who knows? We could even pop up in the same WhatsApp group for Yoga, PTO, or that bustling Buy & Sell chat. Through it all, I promise to respect your privacy while still being an active member of our community. Therapy should feel secure and welcoming, and a big part of that involves you deciding how we interact outside our sessions.
When You’re Happy to Share
If you’re completely comfortable letting folks know you’re in therapy, feel free to say hi and chat with me just like you would any other neighbor. I love being part of this friendly enclave and appreciate anyone who embraces therapy as a step in their personal growth. Naturally, I’ll keep professional boundaries in place, so I won’t mention what we talk about behind closed doors. But if you feel like making small talk, maybe about the local restaurant scene or the waves down at the beach, go right ahead!
When You’d Rather Keep It Under Wraps
On the other hand, if you’d prefer to keep your therapy private, that’s perfectly fine, your confidentiality comes first. Below are a few ways to keep it discreet while still enjoying everything our community has to offer. (After all, nobody needs extra stress when it comes to self-care!)
Greetings Are Natural - Sometimes we say “hi” instinctively, no need to overthink it. It’s just a friendly hello.
Neutral Responses - If asked how we know each other, “We’ve run into each other a few times, small community!” is honest and non-revealing.
Your Privacy Is Safe - I will never disclose our therapist-client relationship, even if someone directly asks.
Confidence in Setting Boundaries - If you feel unsure about public interactions, we can talk through strategies during your sessions.
Maintaining Professional Boundaries
I won’t bring up therapy topics outside our sessions.
If you’re ever uncertain about handling a social encounter, let’s discuss it in private.
If I forget to ask about your preferences early on, please remind me—I want to respect your comfort level.
My role is to support you while keeping our therapeutic work confidential.
Stacy as a Member of the Community
While therapy is a structured process that involves professional boundaries and a Socratic approach to guiding clients toward their own insights and solutions, I am also a person outside of my role as a therapist. In therapy, I focus on understanding your needs and goals, using proven methods over multiple sessions to help you gain self-mastery and create meaningful change.
However, when I engage with my community, I do so as Stacy—the individual, neighbor, and friend. In these settings, I may be more direct, share personal opinions, and interact as I naturally would in my everyday life. These conversations should never be mistaken for therapy or professional guidance. My therapist hat is off when I am outside of session, and I value the ability to connect with my community in a genuine and personal way.
I’m also a mom, a wife, and a tad silly at times. While I’m naturally an introvert, I love connecting with people and finding moments to recharge after social interactions. I find joy in nature, art, and learning new things, sometimes just for the sake of curiosity. I try to embrace life fully, often imperfectly perfect and messy, and like most of you, I am learning every day how to be a better me whether I am actively adulting or rebelling.
Final Thoughts
I’m passionate about what I do and I believe therapy can transform lives. I want to make it as accessible and comfortable as possible. Whether you choose to openly acknowledge your participation in therapy or keep it private, you can trust that I am here to support you in the way that works best for you. If you have any concerns, let’s talk about them, your comfort and confidentiality are my priority. Your mental health matters, and I’m honored to be a part of your progress.
* The following content is for learning and educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider(s). We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by The Anxious Owl PLLC.
