Common Questions
Is working with a therapist a good choice for me?
Often people turn to a therapist for help in times of overwhelming stress or change in their life. It could be a troubled relationship with a partner or a family member. You may have experienced the death of someone important to you. Perhaps other people in your life have suggested therapy to you because of changes they have noticed in you. Maybe you have been struggling with feelings of sadness or difficulty making decisions. Do you have a new baby, a new job or a newly acquired trust fund and feel like you should be happy but aren't? Even the "good things" in life can create stress and uncover underlying issues. Maybe you just need a little "tune-up" to sharpen your focus on your life's aspirations. Or, you may have no idea what is wrong but you are ready to explore the possibilities. If any of this sounds familiar, working with a therapist is the right choice for you. Therapy can help you discover insight, provide support and gain new ways to manage your life It is a positive choice for growth and fulfillment which can enrich your life.
How much time is needed for therapy?
A therapy session is typically 50 minutes in length and meetings are usually one time per week. Depending upon the goals for treatment identified by the client and the therapist, sessions may be more frequent or longer in length if there are difficult issues. The number of weeks may be short-term if there is a specific issue or may be longer term if there are multiple or more complex issues. As the client, you always have the choice to end your therapy at any time.
What happens in therapy?
Clients are asked to become an active partner with the therapist in their care. A sense of acceptance is imparted to the client to encourage you to share your issues and concerns with the therapist. Therapy is not mind reading or dictating to others how to think, act or behave. Therapy is a process of discovering what works for you, an aid in identifying your own strengths, a mirror to help you see what others see in you and a guide to listen to your own inner voice. Sometimes you may be challenged by the therapist to look at something in a different way, to try a new behavior, to track your thoughts, complete worksheets or reading. Once you leave the therapy session it is important for you to continue processing what was discussed and incorporating it into your daily life.
How can my life change from working with a therapist?
Having someone to really listen to you can sometimes make a real difference. Often people receive insight into their relationships and discover new approaches to long standing problems by working with a therapist. Research has found that people in therapy tend to have lower levels of anxiety and stress, less conflict and improved quality of life.
Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
•Increasing confidence
•Developing an optimistic outlook
•Improving ways to manage anger and moodiness
•Nurturing the self and building a positive support system
•Identifying your role in relationship conflicts
•Developing assertiveness in relationships
•Improving listening and communication skills
•Learning an effective parenting style
How does insurance work?
I can prepare a superbill for your use in being reimbursed by your insurance company. It is up to you to determine if you have coverage for therapy services by asking your carrier.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes, a therapist is legally bound to maintain confidentiality of client sessions. The below listed items are the exceptions to confidentiality:
•Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
•If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s. The therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
•if a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in insuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, further measures may be taken without their permission in order to ensure their safety.
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