I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?
On the contrary-knowing when you need help and reaching out to ask for it demonstrates great courage and strength. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have some inner personal resources that you’ve used before, that for whatever reason aren’t working right now; perhaps this current problem or period in your life feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your reserves of strength. In our work together, I’ll help you identify and reclaim those strengths to implement them again in what is happening now.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore what is discussed in a therapy session is between you and your therapist, and you won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, if you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain that 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. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what’s best for you, and in some cases a combination of both medication and therapy is the right course of action.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session.
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions on at least a weekly basis initially.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in and commit to the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in sessions back into your life. It’s the personal, mental and emotional work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development.
