Financial Stress &
Money Shame
You Deserve Support, Not Shame.
Whether you’re overwhelmed by debt, frozen by budgeting anxiety, under-earning due to burnout, or facing class trauma or financial abuse, we’re here to help. Our therapists support you in navigating financial stress without judgment, and without toxic positivity.
What Does Financial Stress Look Like?
Financial stress doesn’t just impact your bank account, it weighs on your body, your mind, and your relationships. Whether you’re living paycheck to paycheck, carrying debt, supporting family, or facing uncertainty about the future, it’s valid to feel overwhelmed. You might notice:
Trouble sleeping or constant worry
Guilt or shame around spending or asking for help
Conflict with loved ones about money
Feeling stuck, frozen, or afraid to check your accounts
Physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue
Thoughts like “I should be better at this” or “It’s my fault I’m struggling”
You’re not irresponsible, you’re under pressure.
Our therapists help you untangle the emotions behind financial stress so you can find clarity, healing, and hope.
Our Approach to
Financial Stress & Money Shame
Therapy for financial stress isn’t just about solving problems, it’s about shifting how you feel, think, and talk about money. Depending on your needs, we may use:
Narrative Therapy to explore your money story
Values-based work to align spending with purpose
Mindfulness and somatic tools to calm financial anxiety
Boundary-setting and communication support
Cultural or trauma-informed practices to unpack generational messages
You deserve healing, no matter your bank balance.
There’s no shame in seeking support.
Money, Identity & Shame
Money doesn’t just reflect our finances, it reflects how society sees us, and how we see ourselves. Many of our clients carry deep emotional wounds around:
Growing up with financial insecurity
Navigating money while managing chronic illness or disability
Being the first in your family to earn or struggle
Cultural or religious messages about success and sacrifice
Feeling guilty for wanting more. or having less
At Dreavita, we help you explore the layers of money, identity, and self-worth with compassion and care.
Ready to Start?
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation today to learn more about how we can help.
M.P., California
“I always felt ashamed about my finances—like I was failing. Dreavita gave me a space where I could talk about money without feeling judged. I’ve learned that survival isn’t shameful.”
C.J., Florida
“Therapy helped me unpack the guilt I carried about growing up poor. I used to think I just needed to budget better. Now I know that healing my money story is part of healing myself.”
FAQs
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Yes. Money shame is incredibly common, but it thrives in silence. Therapy gives you a safe, nonjudgmental space to unpack the beliefs and experiences shaping your relationship with money, so you can start building one rooted in clarity, confidence, and self-worth.
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That’s valid. Many clients come to us dealing with systemic barriers, medical debt, underemployment, caregiving responsibilities, or generational poverty. Therapy won’t fix broken systems, but it can help you cope, advocate for yourself, and reclaim your sense of agency.
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Financial advisors help with the numbers. We help with the emotions behind the numbers. If budgeting apps haven’t solved your stress, or you freeze up every time you try, therapy might be the missing piece. We often work alongside financial professionals as part of a holistic support team.
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Absolutely. Many of us carry inherited beliefs like “Money is selfish” or “Struggling means you’re strong.” Therapy can help you examine and rewrite these messages in a way that honors your past and supports your present.
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Not at all. Taking care of your mental health is one of the most impactful investments you can make, especially when money stress is affecting your well-being. We offer sliding scale options and will never shame you for prioritizing your care.