Frequently Asked Questions

There are many benefits to therapy. Therapists work with clients to help them gain insight on the issues they are currently struggling with and provide them with support, enhanced coping strategies and problem-solving skills. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship troubles, grief, unresolved childhood issues or stress management a therapist can work with you and help guide you towards a solution. Some of the benefits of therapy include:

· Gaining insight to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy

· Developing skills for improving your relationships

· Learning healthy coping skills to help with stress and anxiety 

· Improving overall self-esteem and self-confidence

· A decrease in intrusive thoughts and flashbacks

· Learning how to manage anger, grief and depression

· Developing better communication and listening skills in your marriage/relationship

· Changing old behavior patterns and thought processes

· Gaining a better understanding of yourself, your values and your goals

· Personal Growth 

There are many different reasons for coming to therapy. Some people may be going through a major life transition (death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, major illness or injury, etc.). Some people need assistance handling stressful situations. Others may seek therapy to help them manage a range of other issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, addictions, low self-esteem and body image issues. Some people may wish to gain more insight about themselves and learn how to be more effective with their life goals. Therapy can provide a safe environment to heal from trauma and abuse. If you feel that you are ready to face the challenges in your life and make changes than therapy is right for you.  

Therapy is tailored to each individual depending on their issues and goals for therapy. Therapy can be short-term for a specific issue or long-term to deal with more difficult patterns. Overall, you can expect to discuss current life events, personal history relevant to your issue, any progress made from your previous session and any insights you may have gained. Weekly sessions are most common when meeting with your therapist, but you are welcome to see your therapist as frequently as you would like (weekly, bi-weekly, tri-weekly or monthly). Your therapist will recommend which option is best for you depending on the reason you are coming to therapy.

The first few sessions will be about learning who you are and what brings you to therapy. You will learn new skills that will help you effectively cope with difficult emotions and memories. The more you actively participate in therapy the greater your results. It is important to implement what you learn in session back into your life. Therefore, your therapist may suggest activities outside of the work you do in sessions such as journaling, noting particular behaviors, utilizing your coping skills and taking action on your goals. Together you and your therapist will gain insight into the challenges you are facing and create a clear path toward solutions.

Confidentiality is the most important component of therapy between a client and therapist. You can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. State law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except in the following situations where they become mandated reporters:

• If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is in danger of harming themselves or has threatened to harm another person

• Suspected abuse or neglect of children, adults and elders 

If you want your therapist to share information or give an update to your Physician, Attorney, etc. by law your therapist will have to obtain your written permission to release this information.