I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?
Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the ability to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have some strengths that you’ve used before, which for whatever reason aren’t working right now. Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your past strengths. In our work together, I’ll help you identify what those strengths are and how to implement them again with what’s 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, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Furthermore, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that this could affect your relationship going forward.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy. However while medication treats symptoms, it cannot solve all of one’s problems alone. Working with a therapist will help you explore the hidden, sometimes difficult to find root cause of issues. Therapy will help you dig deep into your behavior and teach you strategies to use to accomplish your goals.
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.
How long will it take?
Unfortunately this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page as everyone’s circumstances are unique. The length of time therapy takes to allow you to accomplish your goals can depend on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.
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. Your active participation and dedication is crucial to your success! After all, we generally only see each other for one session a week. So it’s the work you do outside of sessions that will really help you realize your personal growth and development.
My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual counseling or come together?
If you are concerned about your relationship, and you would both like to work with me, I would initially work with both of you together. After this work, if one of you would like to continue in individual sessions, I could work with only one of you. It is generally not advisable to move from individual into couple’s work with the same therapist because of potential trust issues for the partner who is joining in later.