Frequently Asked Questions

How can therapy help me?

Therapy offers a range of advantages to individuals seeking support. By engaging in therapy, you can receive assistance from counselors who can offer guidance, problem-solving techniques, and effective coping strategies. They can help you address various issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, unresolved childhood matters, grief, stress management, body image concerns, and creative obstacles. Additionally, therapists can serve as valuable resources for personal growth, navigating interpersonal relationships, handling family matters, addressing marital issues, and managing the everyday challenges of life. Therapy can provide a fresh outlook on difficult problems and guide you toward potential solutions. The benefits you derive from therapy depend on your active engagement in the process and the application of what you learn. Some of the advantages that therapy can provide include:

Gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, your goals, and your values.
Developing skills to enhance your relationships.
Finding resolutions to the issues or concerns that prompted you to seek therapy.
Learning new strategies for coping with stress and anxiety.
Effectively managing emotions like anger, grief, and depression.
Improving your communication and listening skills.
Breaking old behavior patterns and cultivating new ones.
Discovering innovative approaches to resolving family or marital problems.
Enhancing your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence.

How do I know if therapy is right for me?

In life, everyone encounters difficult circumstances. Although you may have effectively overcome previous challenges, there is no shame in seeking additional assistance when necessary. Indeed, therapy is intended for individuals who possess sufficient self-awareness to recognize the need for support, and that is truly commendable. By acknowledging your current position in life and making the decision to pursue therapy, you are demonstrating responsibility and a commitment to transforming your circumstances. Therapy offers enduring advantages and guidance, equipping you with the necessary tools to navigate away from triggers, redirect harmful patterns, and conquer any obstacles that come your way.

What is therapy like?

Therapy is different for each person because we all have different issues and goals. Generally, you'll talk about what's happening in your life, important parts of your past that relate to your issue, and any progress or new insights since your last session. Depending on what you need, therapy can be short-term, focused on a specific problem, or long-term, dealing with more complicated patterns or personal growth. Usually, you'll have regular sessions with your therapist, usually once a week. It's important to know that you'll get better results if you actively take part in therapy. The main goal is to help you use what you learn in therapy in your everyday life. People who seek counseling are ready to make positive changes, open to new perspectives, and take responsibility for their lives.

Medication vs. Therapy

Research consistently demonstrates that relying solely on medication is insufficient for resolving long-term mental and emotional issues and the associated distress. Instead of solely alleviating symptoms, therapy focuses on the root causes of our distress and the behavior patterns that hinder our progress. To attain lasting personal growth and a heightened sense of well-being, it is most effective to adopt an integrated approach to wellness. Collaborating with your medical doctor, preferably a psychiatrist, allows you to determine the most suitable course of action. In certain situations, a combination of medication and therapy proves to be the most beneficial path forward.

Is therapy confidential?

Maintaining confidentiality is a crucial aspect of the relationship between a patient and psychotherapist. Trust is essential for successful therapy, especially when discussing sensitive matters that are typically kept private within the therapist's office. It is expected that every therapist will openly address confidentiality, ensuring that the content of your sessions remains strictly confidential. This is known as "Informed Consent." Occasionally, you may want your therapist to share information or provide updates to other members of your healthcare team, such as your Physician or Psychiatrist. However, your therapist is legally required to obtain your written permission before disclosing any information. Nevertheless, both state laws and professional ethics mandate that therapists uphold confidentiality, except in cases involving child or elder abuse or threats of serious harm.