FAQs

A. A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that therapists can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage difficulties, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. 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 concerns that led you to seek therapy

• Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety

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

• Improving communication and listening skills

• Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones

• Discovering new ways to manage conflict with friends, family, and colleagues

• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

A. Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, seeking therapy takes a lot of courage and self-awareness to recognize that there is a need for a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to identify triggers, re-direct destructive patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

A. People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other concerns such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship challenges, spiritual conflicts and creative blocks. Therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to address the challenges in their lives and are ready to make changes in their lives.

A. Because each person has different concerns and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. In general, you can expect to discuss how you experience the concerns that are bringing you to therapy, the impact that your concerns have on important areas of your life, your developmental history, your experience of past treatment, and recognized internal and external resources that have historically been supportive for you. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to explore in more depth parts of your identity. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly).

It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is integrate what you learn in session into your life. That said, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, I will sometimes recommed things you can do outside of therapy to support your process - such as writing in a journal on specific topics, noting particular behaviors, or taking action on your goals.

A. The duration of treatment is different for everyone. The duration of treatment differs from person to person depending on the severity of symptoms and identified treatment goals. Some goals cane be resolved within a matter of months. While in other cases, clients choose to continue therapy past their initial treatment goals, in order to work explore parts of themselves more deeply. As a general rule, the more contact we have, the greater chance that we will meet you treatmemt goals. In the beginning of our work together, we will discuss the frequency of our meetings together that aligns with your unique treatment goals.

A. Due the uniqueness of who we are and the concerns that bring people to therapy, people respond to different forms of treatment differently. When making a decision to integrate medication management into your treatment, it is strongly recommended to discuss the benefits/drawbacks with your physician, psychiatrist, or therapist, who can talk with you about your specific concerns, symptoms, and diagnosis. They can educate you about which treatment is likely to have the best outcome for your situation. The particular diagnosis and its severity can be key in making the best choice for yourself.

A. I cannot prescribe medication but I work closely with colleagues who do. Research has shown that often the best therapeutic outcomes happen when psychotherapy and medication management are pursued in conjunction with each other. If you are interested in finding out about medication options, I can make a referral for you or I am happy to collaborate with a psychiatrist or M.D. of your choosing.

A. Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. 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, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (you’re your Physician, Naturopathy, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.

However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following 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 herself/himself/themself or has threatened to harm another person.