Is therapy right for me?
There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Some individuals decide to deal with long-standing psychological issues or problems with anxiety or depression. In other cases, a client may find a psychologist to help with unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many clients seek to work with therapists 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. I believe that therapy is helpful for anyone interested in improving their life by creating self-awareness, taking responsibility, and facillitating change.
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
Almost everyone faces challenges where they need and/or could benefit from assistance. Seeking therapy is one way of demonstrating self-awareness and responsibility for your life. For many people, therapy provides support in difficult situations while facilitating
long -lasting changes which positively impact how you face challenges in the future.
How can therapy help me?
- 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
What is therapy like?
Every therapy session is unique as it is dependent on each individual and their needs and/or goals.
Most treatment begins when clients enter and relate the concerns and/or issues which cause them concern, discomfort, or pain. For some individuals, it takes time before they feel comfortable telling their story. Others may be more at ease and able to easily relate their situation. As therapy continues and a therapeutic alliance develops between therapist and client, other issues may come to the surfaces. My clients have regular sessions scheduled at set times at least once of week. (Of course, there are exceptions such as when clients travel etc...). Individual therapy sessions last 50 minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when I may suggest that you take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records of the relationship between certain feelings and behaviors. For therapy to be effective, it is not necessary to understand everything at once and quickly make dramatic changes. Rather, it is helpful if you are willing to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and work toward relating them as honestly as possible. 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 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 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.
Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?
I am not in-network provider for any insurance plan. However, your insurance plan may provide anywhere from minimal to substantial coverage for out of network licensed psychologists. Please see the section on Rates and Insurance for my information. Please note that in oder to obtain out of network benefits, you will have to submit your claims directly to your insurance company. I will provide you with invoices containing all the information the insurance company requires to process your claim.
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.
However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
- Child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- A client who poses a serious and realistic physical threat to another person.
- A client who 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.
