Florence Hughes on Why Therapy Changed Everything for Her as a Woman

When Florence Hughes finally sat down in a therapist’s office, she realized she had been holding her breath for years. On paper, her life looked full and successful — she was a mother, a marketing leader, and the person everyone depended on. Yet somewhere along the way, she had stopped showing up for herself.

“I honestly believed therapy was only for people who were completely falling apart,” Florence says. “I didn’t understand that I was already there — just quietly.”

  Her experience reflects a reality many women live with every day: carrying emotional weight in silence while meeting endless expectations. For Florence, discovering mental health therapy wasn’t just healing — it was freedom.

The Invisible Pressure Women Carry

Long before Florence considered therapy, stress had already woven itself into her daily life. Working as a marketing director in Chicago, she was admired for her reliability and calm demeanor.

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“From the outside, I looked fine,” she explains. “But internally, I was exhausted.”

Years of saying yes — to extra work, family needs, and emotional labor — left no space for her own well-being. Like many women, she had been taught that strength meant putting herself last.

 

“We grow up believing care is something we give, not something we deserve,” Florence says.

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When the pandemic arrived, the pressure multiplied. Managing a remote team, helping her daughter with school, and caring for her aging mother pushed her beyond her limits. Her breaking point came unexpectedly.

 

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“I was writing a simple email when my chest tightened and I couldn’t breathe,” she recalls. “It wasn’t panic — it was burnout finally speaking.”

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After weeks of hesitation, Florence searched online for therapists who specialized in women’s mental health. Seeing profiles of female counselors helped her feel less alone. Eventually, she booked a virtual session with a licensed therapist who practiced cognitive behavioral therapy.

 

“At first, it felt strange opening up to someone I didn’t know,” she admits. “But within minutes, I felt understood.”

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Therapy helped Florence recognize how chronic stress had shaped her thinking. She learned that living in constant pressure keeps the brain stuck in survival mode, reinforcing self-criticism and fear.

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“I had these automatic thoughts — that I wasn’t doing enough, that I was failing everyone,” she says. “Therapy taught me how to question those beliefs instead of believing them.”

Why Women Experience Mental Health Struggles Differently

Florence also learned that women experience stress in unique ways. Hormonal changes, social expectations, and caregiving roles all play a part.

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“We carry emotional responsibility that often goes unnoticed,” she explains. “Remembering birthdays, managing relationships, worrying about everyone’s feelings — it adds up.”

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One moment in therapy stayed with her. “My therapist told me, ‘Your value isn’t tied to how productive you are.’ I didn’t believe her at first — but I wanted to.”

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Over time, Florence practiced reframing her inner dialogue. Instead of labeling herself as a failure, she learned to respond with kindness.

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“Saying ‘I did my best today’ changed my entire relationship with myself,” she says.

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Therapy as a Space for Self-Discovery

For Florence, therapy became less about fixing something broken and more about understanding herself.

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“I realized therapy isn’t about changing who you are — it’s about coming home to yourself,” she says.

Her sessions included mindfulness exercises, journaling, and learning how emotions show up physically. Once she became aware of tension in her body, she could release it before it overwhelmed her.

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“One of the biggest lessons was learning to pause,” she explains. “That pause — before reacting — gave me control.”

Journaling became a daily habit. “Some days I only write one sentence,” she says. “But even that reminds me that I matter.”

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How Digital Therapy Expanded Access

Florence knows that not every woman has the same access to in-person therapy. Online platforms made a difference for many women in her life

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“I recommended online therapy to friends who work long hours or live in areas with limited options,” she says. “Being able to talk to a therapist from home removes so many barriers.”

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She believes digital therapy is a powerful starting point, especially for women who feel intimidated by traditional settings. However, she also emphasizes seeking specialized care when symptoms are severe.

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“Getting help early can save lives,” she says. “There’s no shame in needing support.”

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Breaking the Stigma Around Women’s Mental Health

Today, Florence speaks openly about therapy — with her daughter, her coworkers, and her community.

“I tell my daughter that therapy is exercise for your emotions,” she says.

She now leads wellness discussions at work and helped introduce mental health days within her company. What surprised her most was how many women were silently struggling.

“The moment I shared my story, others opened up,” she says. “That’s how stigma breaks — through honesty.”

 

Florence’s Personal Mental Wellness Routine

Over time, Florence created a simple routine that supports her mental health:

• Quiet breathing before checking her phone

• Writing down small moments of gratitude

• Daily movement, especially walking outdoors

• Meaningful conversations with close friends

• Monthly therapy check-ins, even during good times

“Therapy gave me direction,” she says. “Consistency gave me peace.”

How Healing Changed Her Family

The impact of therapy didn’t stop with Florence. Her daughter became more open about emotions, and her husband eventually joined her in counseling.

“When one person heals, the whole household shifts,” she says. “Calm spreads.”

She now sees healing as a ripple effect — one woman choosing herself can change an entire circle.

Advice for Women Thinking About Therapy

Florence offers gentle advice for women who are unsure:

• Try one session — no long-term commitment required

• Find a therapist you feel safe with

• Use online options if in-person feels overwhelming

• Treat mental health as a necessary expense, not a luxury

• Be patient — progress isn’t always linear

“Healing isn’t about perfection,” she says. “It’s about showing up.”

A Message to Every Woman Who’s Tired

Florence doesn’t claim therapy cured everything. What it gave her was awareness, compassion, and choice.

“I no longer fight my anxiety,” she says. “I listen to it.”

Her message is simple and powerful:
“If you’re exhausted from pretending you’re okay, please know — you’re not weak, broken, or alone. Asking for help is not the end of your strength. It’s the beginning of it.”