Common Questions

​

How can therapy help me?

​

There are numerous benefits that are readily available from participating in therapy. Therapists and counselors can provide support, motivation to overcome substance abuse and addiction, life skills, and strengthened coping methods for many issues, such as; anxiety, depression, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood trauma, grief, stress management, and creative blocks! Therapists and counselors can also be an astounding asset to managing your personal growth, relationships, family concerns, marriage problems, and your skills to take life head-on. We can provide a solid perspective on many difficult problems or guide you in the direction of resolution. What you take away from therapy depends solely on how well you process and put into practice what you learn.

Many benefits accessible from therapy include, but not limited to:

​

• 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

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

  

Every human being will be faced with challenges throughout life, and although you have 

triumphantly navigated the rocky path in your way, there is still nothing wrong with searching for extra support when needed. Therapy is absolutely for people who are self-aware enough to realize they may need a helping hand. Taking responsibility, accepting where you are at in this life, and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy is truly admirable. We try our best as therapists to provide long-term benefits and support; giving you the skills you need to avoid damaging patterns, triggers, and overcome challenges.

Why do people go to therapy, and how do I know if it is right for me?

​

People have many different reasons for coming to therapy. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not coping in stressful situations very well.  Some people may need help managing a plethora of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, substance abuse, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts, and stunted creativity. Therapy can provide some much-needed encouragement and help with obtaining better coping skills to get them through these rough patches. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives. 

​

  

What is therapy like?

​

Each person is dealing with something different and have distinctive goals for therapy, meaning not every session will be the same. Generally, you can expect to talk about the current events going on in your life, personal history involved with your issue, and report progress made from previous sessions. Therapy can be short-term (for specific issues) or long-term (to deal with more difficult triggers or personal development), this all depends on your specific needs! Whichever you need, it is most common to have regular weekly scheduled sessions with your therapist.  

 

Therapy is something you must commit and participate in to see the results you truly want. The ultimate purpose is to guide you to apply the lessons you learn to your everyday life. This means, beyond the work you will do in sessions, your therapist may suggest more things you can do outside of therapy to push your progress along. Some of these things include journaling on certain topics, noting specific behavior, reading particular books, or pushing to achieve your goals. Seeking therapy usually means a person is ready to make positive life changes, are open to new perspectives, and take responsibility for their lives. 

 

 

What about medication vs. psychotherapy?  

​

It is known that medication cannot solely solve long-term mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause. Therapy addresses the cause of distress and patterns in behavior that curb progress, instead of just treating symptoms. The best way to improve your life and have long-lasting growth is with an integrative approach to wellness. Working both with your medical doctor and therapist to discover what is best for, whether that is a combination of therapy and medication or one on its own, is the best way to go.

 

 

Do you take insurance, and how does that work?

 

To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is call them.  Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers.  Some helpful questions you can ask them:

 

• 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? 

 

Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?

 

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and a therapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in the session will not be shared with anyone.  This is called “Informed Consent”.  Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law, your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.

 

However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

 

* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.

* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.