Is therapy right for me?

There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with psychological issues, such as anxiety and depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in life, such as a divorce or work transition. Some seek the advice or counsel as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth.  Working with a therapist can provide support, insight, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can also address issues of grief and loss, stress management, relationship problems, and general life transitions. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of life by gaining greater self-awareness and actively working towards their goals.

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 the difficulties you've faced, sometimes you need extra support.  In fact, therapy works best for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you are in life and making a commitment to change. Therapy can provide long-lasting benefits by giving you the tools you need to avoid negative triggers, eliminate self-defeating patterns, and chart a new course for your life.

How can therapy help me?

A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Therapists provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies.  Many people find counseling to be a tremendous asset in managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and facing the challenges of daily life. Therapists may 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 values
• Developing skills for improving your relationships
• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
• Learning ways to cope with stress and anxiety
• Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotions
• Improving communication and listening skills
• Changing old behavior patterns and developing more effective ones
• Exploring 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 and tailored to the individual or couple and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions.  You will schedule weekly or every other week sessions of approximately 50 minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth.

For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. There may be times when it is suggested that you take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors.  It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. Clients in therapy will make the most progress when they are willing to take responsibility for their actions and work towards self-change and greater self-awareness.

Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:

• Respect and understanding
• Confidentiality
• New perspectives and insights
• Strategies for positive change
• 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 achieved solely through medication.  Medication treats the symptoms, but therapy addresses the causes of distress and the behavior patterns that impede progress. You will most likely achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.

• Suspected child abuse or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person, the therapist is required to notify the police.
• If a client 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.