How can therapy help me?

There are a number of benefits available from participating in psychotherapy. Psychotherapy in general is, "talk therapy". Therapists can provide support and guide you in using problem-solving skills for challenges being experienced such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, and stress from your daily life demands.  The benefits you obtain from therapy are individualized depending on how well you use the process. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

• Finding a better understanding of yourself, your goals, and outlook on life

• Developing skills to improve relationships with friends and family

• Identifying negative behaviors and thoughts 

• Developing ways to change negative patterns

• Learning effective ways to cope with stress and anxiety

• Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional challenges

• Discovering new ways to communicate and handle conflicts with your family, relationship, or marriage

• Improving your self-esteem and self-worth

 

Do I really need therapy?  

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life. Therapy doesn't define a person as being "weak", "crazy", or unable to cope. Therapy is a tool that provides support to the individual or family seeking help. Having enough self-awareness to identify that you need some extra support is admirable. Therapy can provide long-lasting benefits and guidance that gives you the tools you need to avoid repeating negative patterns. Therapy can be a support to you that helps you stay focused towards reaching your personal goals. 

 

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

Therapy may be right for you if you are finding yourself at a crossroad, you are seeking to learn more about yourself, wanting to be more successful with your choices, ready to set new goals, or ready to make a change in your life.

 

People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy (talk therapy).  Some may be going through a major life transition or life loss (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or struggling with a stressful circumstance such as losing a loved one, or stress from experiencing a traumatic event. Some people may seek therapy because they are struggling with low self-esteem, anger, depression, or addictions.  Other's may seek therapy because they want to understand why they make the choices they do in their life. Some people struggle with questions they can't find answers to, resulting in self-doubt and the inability to move forward.  

 

Therapy can help provide encouragement and a different perspective to a challenge or circumstance.  Therapy can allow a person to gain a better understanding to their thoughts. It also allows the individual to gain tools to move forward and not stay stagnant in their situation. People seeking psychotherapy are self-motivated. They are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and are ready to make positive changes.

 

What is therapy like?

Therapy is individualized. A person can experience therapy differently because the issues being faced, goals desired, and personalities are different and unique. Typically, psychotherapy is not high risk, but some may find it uncomfortable at times since it can involve talking about sensitive issues.  In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and self-reflection including growth you gain in therapy as it occurs. Some individuals may need short-term therapy for a specific issue or adjustment in life. Other's may need longer-term, to allow more time for personal growth, identify negative patterns, and work through past events. Whether your therapy needs are short-term or longer-term the common schedule is regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly or bi-weekly).

 

It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process.  Your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process. Some suggestions may include reading a book, article, or journaling.  People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives, and take responsibility for their lives.   

 

What are the benefits to children's therapy and what is the process?

Children may benefit from therapy if they are struggling with anger, a low self-esteem, challenges with social skills, or going through  a transition (a parent divorcing, remarrying, attending a new school, etc.). Therapy allows the child an opportunity to learn how to identify their feelings, recognize a difficulty, learn how to express themselves effectively, and develop positive coping skills. 

 

It is important to note that children that exhibit difficult behaviors may also be secondary to a medical condition, learning disability, developmental delay, or mood disorder.

 

Goals for therapy may be behavior management, emotional expression, personal development, social skills, and relationship building. Techniques in children's therapy may include play-therapy, art, reading books, and open discussion. 

 

A child’s therapy services are individualized on need and determined through a comprehensive assessment that explores medical history, family history, academic history, and social history. This assessment allows the practitioner to determine need and develop an appropriate treatment plan. 

 

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 psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone.  This is called “Informed Consent”.  Sometimes, however, there may be a time you want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Attorney, etc.), but by law your therapist still cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.

 

There are limits to confidentiality. State law and professional ethics mandates therapist to maintain confidentiality except for the folloiwng 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 threated to harm another person.