Is therapy right for me?

Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes individuals seek therapy to deal with long-standing psychological issues or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times patients require therapy to aid in unexpected changes in one's life, such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of counselors 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 life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in his or her life.


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

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life.  While you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties, there's no shame in seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize that they need a helping hand. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support by giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome challenges.


How can therapy help me?

A number of benefits are available from 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 psychologists 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 and point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and apply what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

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

What is therapy like?

Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual's specific goals.  Therapists typically discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. Patients commonly schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fourty-five minutes. Therapy can be short-term by focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book , completing homework assignments, or keeping records to track certain behaviors. These outside assignments play an important part in the process and will be discussed and integrated into your life to support your recovery. To optimize your therapy effectiveness, you must be an active participant both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy must be willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change, and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:

• Compassion, respect, and understanding.
• Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings.
• Real strategies for enacting positive change.
• Effective techniques along with practical guidance.
  

Is medication a substitute for therapy?

In some cases, a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. By working with your medical doctor and psychologist, you can determine what's best for you. Professionals have established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems involve both types of treatment when the problem cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of distress and the behavior patterns that curb progress. You can achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.

Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?

To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:

• What are my mental health benefits?
• What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
• How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
• How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
• Is approval required from my primary care physician?

Is therapy confidential?

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

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

• Suspected child abuse or dependant 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.