When beginning therapy, many clients focus on finding the "right" therapist. But what does that mean? Credentials, techniques, and experience are important, of course, but there is a less tangible factor that profoundly influences the success of therapy: the relationship and fit between therapist and client.

When life becomes overwhelming, many of us experience a freeze state. It’s that paralyzing feeling where your body and mind seem to shut down, leaving you unable to act or think clearly. For women, this response can be particularly challenging as it often stems from juggling societal expectations, emotional labor, and personal responsibilities.

When facing a threat, we often hear about our instinctive “fight or flight” responses, but there’s a third, less talked about reaction: the freeze response. This response involves a state of paralysis where one feels unable to act or even move. Though this reaction is common across genders, women often experience the freeze response in unique ways due to societal, biological, and psychological factors.