Does it have you, or do you have it?

When a client walks into my office, I always start with the same question: "What brings you here now?" It’s a simple way to open up the conversation and begin addressing what’s on their mind. Most of the time, they come in to talk about something specific—depression, trauma, or anxiety—something that’s interfering with their emotional well-being. But here's the reality: Not everyone who struggles with emotional or mental health issues will ever walk into a therapist’s office.

There are many people out there who feel stuck but never seek therapy. They’re not necessarily dealing with extreme behaviors or addictions, but they still feel the weight of low-level stress, anxiety, or dissatisfaction. They might not even realize how certain habits, like compulsively checking social media, gambling, or even having an extra glass of wine each night are affecting their lives.

And here’s the key: The tipping point is always now. What specifically led you to decide to finally seek help at this moment? Much as we’d love it if all our clients came to us willingly and proactively, the reality is that therapy is often a last-ditch attempt to get life back on track after many prior attempts on their own. It’s when people reach a point where the behaviors, habits, or struggles they’ve been quietly managing for so long are no longer something they can ignore. It’s understandable; therapy can be rewarding but arduous, and there’s no guarantee of success. But what about all those other issues that get swept under the rug, the issues that so many millions of people suffer in silence with?

Here’s the truth: You're not alone. Everyone has habits, behaviors, or patterns that they wish they could manage better, things they might feel embarrassed about or think they’re alone in struggling with. The People Who Need Help category is vast, and you’re far from the only one feeling this way. Whether it’s stress, low-level anxiety, or habits you’ve been trying to manage on your own, you’re not alone in needing help. Many people face these struggles, and there’s no shame in reaching out for support.

That’s where NØRA comes in. NØRA isn’t just for those who are in therapy or struggling with severe issues. It’s designed for the people who would never step foot in a therapist’s office but still want to understand and manage their behaviors, without the stigma or pressure of traditional therapy. NØRA is for those who want to live a life aligned with their values, to transform from merely getting by to truly thriving.

The Key Question: Does It Have You, or Do You Have It?

There’s a question I often ask when someone comes in with a behavior they’re struggling to control: “Does it have you, or do you have it?”

What does this mean? Compulsive behaviors don’t always look like substance abuse or extreme actions. It can be as subtle as the habit of mindlessly scrolling through your phone, overspending, or gambling a bit too much on the weekends. These behaviors might not seem “bad enough” to warrant therapy, but they can still lead to functional impairment, affecting relationships, finances, or peace of mind.

When a behavior "has you," it means you’re no longer in control. The behavior is dictating your choices, your emotions, and your time. But when you "have it," you’re able to recognize it for what it is, understand why you engage in it, and manage it in a way that aligns with your goals and well-being.

How NØRA Helps

NØRA isn’t just for those who are in therapy or struggling with severe issues. It's designed for those in the People Who Need Help category, those who may not have actively sought therapy but still feel a need to better understand their behaviors and make healthier choices. Maybe you're not looking to completely stop certain behaviors, but you want more control over them. That’s exactly what we aim to provide.

NØRA helps you take that first step: understanding the behaviors that might be affecting your emotional health and offering you the tools to regain control. Whether it’s gambling, shopping, or other habits, NØRA helps you create a healthier relationship with these behaviors.

Gaining Control Over Your Habits

The key is not necessarily eliminating these behaviors entirely but gaining more control over them. It’s about recognizing when they start to negatively affect your well-being and making the choice to manage them in a way that supports your emotional health. Whether it’s setting boundaries around your screen time, tracking your impulse shopping habits, or addressing gambling when it starts to feel unmanageable, NØRA helps you make healthier choices without the pressure of "quitting" or drastic change.

Many people come to therapy thinking they need to make huge, life-altering changes to feel better, but NØRA offers a more nuanced approach. It’s about small adjustments, increased awareness, and finding healthier ways to cope with the challenges life throws your way.

Conclusion

So, does the behavior have you, or do you have it? NØRA helps you answer that question by providing insight and support as you take control of your habits, even when they’re not the main issue you’re facing. It's not about quitting or eliminating behaviors; it’s about managing them, understanding why they occur, and making decisions that are in line with your long-term goals and well-being.