Common Questions

Is therapy right for me?

Seeking therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy.  Sometimes it is to deal 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.

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

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you’ve faced, there’s nothing wrong with seeking extra support when you need it.  In fact, having enough self-awareness to realize you need a helping hand, is  something to be admired. You are taking responsibility and making a commitment to changing the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to overcome whatever challenges you face.

How can therapy help me?

I can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies. Many people also find that I can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Perhaps I 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. 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 issues or concerns
* 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 healthy new ones
* Discovering new ways to solve problems
* Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

What is therapy like?

Every therapy session is unique to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. Therapy can be short-term or long-term – this can be determined jointly by you and me.  There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy session, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors.  For therapy to be most effective, you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions.  Here are some things you can expect during therapy sessions:
* Compassion, respect, and understanding
* Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
* Real strategies for enacting positive change
* Effective and proven 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. Working with your medical doctor can help you 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 your progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.

Is therapy confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and therapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.  We will review my Disclosure Statement during our initial session, this will explain the legal aspects of confidentiality.   You should seek the Department of Regulatory Agency website for information related to any professional.