Why do people seek therapy?
People come into therapy for many reasons. Some need to respond to unexpected changes in their lives, while others seek self-exploration and personal growth. When coping skills are overwhelmed by despair, doubt, anxiety, or guilt, therapy can help. Therapy can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, lack of confidence, unresolved childhood issues, bereavement, spiritual conflicts, stress management, body image issues, and creative blocks. Therapy can also be a "place" where conversations that should be happening elsewhere - but aren't - can happen. It provides support and strategies for helping people create more personal and relationship satisfaction, and, ultimately, a happier and richer life.
What can I expect in a therapy session?
It is very important that you find a therapist with whom you feel comfortable. Because of that, I view the initial session as a "check it out" opportunity - a chance for you to see if you are comfortable with me, and if we both/all think I can be helpful to you. At this session, I will be asking about your current situation and stressors, as well as a bit about your physical, psychological, and social histories. I will also be interested in your goals or hopes for therapy. If I don't think that I'm the appropriate therapist to help you, I'll refer you to someone else. Otherwise, at the end of the session, you may choose whether to schedule another session or to think about it and contact me later to schedule.
During sessions, you are expected to talk about the primary concerns and issues in your life. A session lasts 50 minutes. Typically, I initally see people once a week for several sessions, as my assumption is that they are coming in with some significant level of distress. As they begin to feel better, we generally space appointments to bi-weekly and eventually, to monthly. The length of therapy generally varies from just a few sessions to a few years, depending on what the person is working on. Many people come for a few months, end when their difficulty is resolved, and then return later, when they want help in adjusting to another challenge that has come into their lives. Though it would be inappropriate for me to tell you what to do about any given situation, I will, at times, make suggestions or recommend that you take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping a log. For therapy to be helpful, you must be an active participant, both in and outside of the therapy sessions.
What benefits can I expect from working with a therapist?
A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Often it is helpful just to know that someone understands. Therapy can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. Many people find therapy to be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, and the stress of daily life. 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 and your personal goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Finding new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communications skills
- Getting "unstuck" from unhealthy patterns - breaking old behaviors and developing new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
What if I don't know what my goals are for therapy?
As human beings, we tend to want to change when we're uncomfortable. If you know that you're not feeling comfortable, but you're not sure why, our first goal will be to work together to help you figure that out. Though it may take several sessions, as that is clarified, the direction and goals of therapy will come into focus. During the course of therapy your goals may change. However, establishing a direction for therapy will help you get the most out of the experience.
Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?
I am a provider for several insurances, and therapy is a covered benefit under many policies. If you have insurance, please contact your company to find the answers to the following questions:
- Do I have mental/behavioral health benefits?
- What is my deductible and has it been met?
- What is the amount of the co-pay, if any?
- Is pre-authorization required?
- How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
- How much do you pay for an out-of-network provider?
- Is primary care physician approval required?
Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there are a few of exceptions to this rule. Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependent 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. 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 the client's cooperation in ensuring his or her safety. If this is not possible, further measures may be taken without the client's permission in order to ensure such safety.