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How can therapy help me?

There are many benefits you get from therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues, and creative blocks. Several people also discover that counselors can be a great help when it comes to managing personal growth, self-love, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. They can provide a new angle on a difficult problem or direct you to a solution. The benefits you get from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:  

  • Achieving a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
  • Learning how to improve your relationships
  • Resolving issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
  • Knowing how to cope with stress and anxiety
  • Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
  • Learning how to communicate well
  • Developing new, positive behaviors
  • Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
  • Improving your self-esteem and self-confidence

Do I really need therapy?  I can usually handle my problems.

Everyone experiences difficult situations in life, and it is never wrong to seek the help of professional therapists. Therapy is for people who know they need help, and that is something that should be recognized. It is very admirable how they acknowledge their situation and that they made a commitment to change it. Therapy provides benefits and support for the long-haul, giving you the tools to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?

Everyone has a different reason for coming to therapy.  Some may be going through a major life transition (the loss of a loved one, unemployment, birth, etc.), or are not handling stress all that well. Some people need assistance in managing a range of other issues like low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts, and creative blocks. Therapy can help provide encouragement and help get them through these tough times. Some may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to achieve their goals in life. To keep it short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges and make the changes in their lives.

What is therapy like?

Everyone has different reasons as to why they seek therapy, thus the experience can vary from one person to another. Generally, it is expected that you and your therapist will discuss your history, current events, and progress in your life. The length of the therapy will also depend on your situation. It can be for short or long-term. However, it is also expected that you will have regular meetings with your therapist (weekly or every other week).

You must understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. Its ultimate purpose is to help you bring what you learn in the sessions back into your everyday life. Therefore, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process, such as reading a pertinent book, writing about specific topics, noting particular behaviors, or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives, and take responsibility for their lives.

What about medication vs. psychotherapy?

It is well-established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, we work together to explore the cause of the issue, delve into your behavior, and teach tactics that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals.

For some, medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy. In others, psychotherapy alone is enough to alleviate symptoms and restore optimal functioning. If additional support is needed, I will provide referrals to homeopaths and/or psychiatrists in the area to help you find the best fit for your needs.

I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and can to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have strengths you have used before, that for whatever reason is not working right now. Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your past strengths. In our work together, I’ll help you identify what those strengths are and how to implement them again in what is happening now.

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

Mental health professionals can help you cope with your situation in a different method– teach you new skills, gain other perspectives, listen to you without judging you, and help you listen to yourself. Counseling is also confidential because the risk of other people sharing your story without your consent will be unlikely. Lastly, if the situation produced a great amount of negativity in your mindset, there will be a chance where you might avoid your friend or loved because seeing them may help you remember the difficult time in your life.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, it will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs.

How long will it take?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQ’s page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them, and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.

Do you take insurance, and how does that work?

The first thing you should do to know whether your insurance covers mental health is to call your insurance provider. Check your coverage carefully, and ensure that you understand their answers.  Some helpful questions you can ask them are as follows:

  • What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
  • What is my deductible and has it been met?
  • What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
  • How many therapy sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
  • How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
  • Is approval required from my primary care physician? 

Confidentiality and Privacy Policy

Confidentiality is important in the relationship between a therapist and patient. Successful therapy demands a high amount of trust, especially when topics that are not for the public are discussed. The law protects the relationship between client and therapist, so information cannot be disclosed without written permission.

However, there are times when you may want your therapist to dispense information or updates to your healthcare team, but as per law, he or she cannot release these details without your consent.

However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

  • Suspected child, dependent adult or elder abuse; I am required by law to report to the appropriate authorities immediately.
  • If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person(s), I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
  • If a client intends to harm themselves it is my responsibility to ensure their safety, including contacting family members and/or authorities.
  • If I am court ordered by a judge to release information