How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Everyone faces challenging times in their lives that can seem overwhelming. Seeking professional support will develop tools in order to identify unhealthy patterns, avoid triggers, and move your journey forward in a positive way. Taking responsibility for your life by seeking therapy is something to be admired.
How can therapy help me?
Seeking therapy can provide many benefits beyond the issues that are initially presented. Individuals discover that counselors can be instrumental in managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, and seeking greater joy in every day life. Therapists can also provide support in areas such as: problem solving skills, stress management, relationship challenges, and managing anxiety and depression. The more that you engage in the process, the greater the benefits you obtain from therapy.
What will the therapy experience look like?
Each therapy session is a time to address the areas of your life that you would like to better understand and potentially improve. Therapy can be short term, or if desired, work on a longer-term schedule. Each session is catered to your specific goals and is flexible to accommodate issues that may arise weekly. There may be times where you are asked to take certain actions between appointments, such as readings or journal your thoughts between sessions. It is important to process what you have experienced during the therapy session and integrate some practical tools into your life. The more you play the role of an active participant, the more you will benefit from the therapy process. Our working relationship has the ability to foster personal growth and self-awareness in your everyday life.
How does therapy work?
During your first therapy sessions you will share your history and what you are seeking from the therapeutic process. My approach centers around a comfortable setting, meeting each individual client where they are in that moment. Therapy begins by taking a look at your relationships, your life experiences, and areas that you want to focus on or shift. Having a supportive space may bring relief, allowing you to share concerns or feelings. This process can also bring positive changes, healthier communication, and better self-care. At a deeper level, therapy can heal past experiences, new patterns can evolve and a greater sense of peace can emerge.
Counseling is a safe place to express your thoughts and feelings. As you share your story, the therapist may ask questions to help you gain a better understanding of your particular situation. The counselor may also help identify certain patterns that may be causing distress. This process may foster a new perspective to help gain clarity on the presenting issue. Each session is focused on specific areas that you would like to address.
How many sessions will it take until I feel better?
You may feel relief after the first session. Expressing your feelings in a safe and impartial environment can lift a huge weight off of many people. That being said, therapy is a deeply individual process, and everyone’s progress is different. As we work together, you will receive practical tools to implement into your life that will put you on the road to long-lasting changes in your thoughts, behaviors, relationships, and choices.
How often should I go to therapy?
The amount of sessions varies based on individual needs and progress towards reaching our established goals. For most clients, approximately 6-8 sessions is the recommendation. The length of treatment may also be determined by the complexity of the situation. After meeting their goals, some clients prefer to taper to twice a month and with occasional follow-ups when needed.
Will I have to take medication?
Starting therapy does not mean that you need to go on medication. Many clients are able to successfully address their situations without medication. If you and your therapist determine that medication should be explored, the client would make an appointment with their doctor or psychiatrist for an evaluation.
How do I know if the therapist is the right fit?
An established comfort level between therapist/client is the most important contributor to a successful therapy journey. After the first session the therapist should be able to summarize your situation and help create a plan to support your particular needs.
Is what I share in session confidential?
Yes. Client-therapist conversations are private and confidential as required by law. It is also confidential information that a person is meeting with a counselor. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client. Only in rare exceptions, when the safety of a client or other is at risk can disclosure of confidential client-therapist information take place. Additionally, therapists are required by law to report the following:
• 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 authorities.
• 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.
As parents, we are considering therapy for our child.
Therapy is beneficial for the child as well as the family unit. Given an opportunity to communicate, children will embrace a non objective therapeutic environment. Depending on the situation, family members may benefit from attending therapy to gain insight on presenting issues and how to best support progress at home.
Free Consultation
If you would like to set up a complementary 15 min. phone consultation or schedule an appointment, call 949-370-7671 or email me at [email protected].