Is therapy right for me?

Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as miscarriage, divorce, overwhelming callenges and concerns with raising children, or work transition and growth. Perhaps it is being diagnosed with cancer or learning of a difficult diagnosis for a loved one that brings you in. Many seek the advice of a therapist as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges so you can have the life that you want. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.

What can I expect in a therapy session?

Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. You lead the way and will discuss whatever is on your mind. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts 50 minutes. Many clients in this practice are  interested in the most depth-oriented psychoanalytic modality and are seen 3-4 times per week, while others are seen 1-2 times weekly. In some situations therapy may be conducted in part by phone or "video chat". Therapy can be short-term, focusing on specific issues; or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. If you are looking for more directed and goal-specific work,  a coaching relationship is established and it is not uncommon that a client, couple, family, or group be asked to take certain actions outside of  sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. Therapy and coaching are effective because you are an active participant, both during and between the sessions.

What benefits can I expect from working with a therapist or coach?

Therapy can provide insight and will effect change. You will gain new perspectives into life's challenges and create solutions to difficult problems. Many people find that working with a therapist can enhance personal development, improve relationships and family dynamics, and can ease the challenges of daily life. Sometimes, just having someone there to listen is helpful. Overall, people in therapy tend to have lower levels of anxiety and stress, decreased conflict, and improved quality of life.

Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

• Peace and resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
• A clear understanding of yourself, your goals, and values are attained
• Deepened satisfaction in relatioships and being fully expressed in them
• Success, freedom, and ease in parenting
• Increased financial success
• Increased satisfaction with work
• Unhealthy behavior and unwanted recurring patterns have been identified, understood, and worked out
• Insight into personal patterns and behavior that lead to fundamental life shifts
• Increased confidence, peace, vitality, and well-being
• Positive context for the management of anger, depression, and anxiety are experienced
• New ways to resolve problems and be inventive and creative in the design of one's life are discovered
• Navigating life’s obstacles more effectively and with greater resilience
• Improved listening and communication skills
• Real strategies for enacting positive change
• Enhanced overall quality of life

 

Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?

Insurance is not directly accepted, but rather a statement is submited at the end of each month to you which may then be attached to your insurance form and sent in for your personal reimbursement. If you have an HMO they will not reimburse you for therapy in this practice. You will need to see a therapist in your health network or may opt to pay out of pocket.

To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:

• Do I have mental health benefits?
• What is my deductible and has it been met?
• How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
• How much does my plan cover for an out-of-network provider?
• What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
• Is approval required from my primary care physician

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 other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need 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 recognize triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

 

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 solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.
 

Is therapy confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.

However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependant adult 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.