Is therapy right for me?

Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one’s life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of counsel as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.

 

How can therapy help me?

A number of benefits are available from those participating in psychotherapy. 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. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn.

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Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

• Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values

• Developing skills for improving your relationships

• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy

• Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety

• Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures

• Improving communications and listening skills

• Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones

• Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage

• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

 

Is medication a substitute for therapy?

In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what’s best for you. 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, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.

 

Why not talk to my best friend or a family member?

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EDUCATION, TRAINING, EXPERIENCE: A licensed therapist has spent time learning about human behavior, relational dynamics, and effective interventions in school and through the course of over 3,000 hours post-grad hours of closely supervised clinical training. To become licensed, one has to take and pass the national licensing exam, in their field of practice, before being granted an independent license to practice. Therapists are trained to listen in order to understand, encourage new ways of thinking and self-reflection, recognize and identify unhelpful patterns, highlight blind spots, recognize unique strengths and and help you build upon them - all in order to support lasting change and growth. Friends and family can provide incredible support, love, and empathy, however a therapist can provide objective expertise in helping you understand your symptoms or concerns and provide interventions to reduce your distress.

 

OBJECTIVE AND ALWAYS FOCUSED ON YOU: Therapy is designed to help you discover and achieve what you truly desire, and not what anyone else wants for you. It is a space where you can explore, without fear of upsetting a loved one or being judged, how you are feeling and what you are thinking. Therapists will meet you with an objective response, different than someone in your life who may have a stake in choices that you do or do not make.

 

CLEAR AND DEFINED BOUNDARIES: Your therapist will be there for you at a determined time and location, focused and ready to listen to you. Therapy is also not free, like talking to a friend. This investment in attending to your well-being on a weekly basis will likely increase your motivation and dedication to make the changes you are seeking. Unlike friends and family, we do not expect anything from you emotionally other than your engagement in the therapy process. Your relationships with friends and family are important! They are "two-way streets," however therapy is "one way only." Therefore, time is dedicated and limited to one person - you. 

 

Is therapy confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.

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However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.

• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.

• If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.