Is therapy right for me?

Seeking therapy is an individual choice based on many different reasons. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues or problems. Other times it is in response to unexpected life changes such as a divorce, loss of a loved one, or unwelcomed work transitions. Many seek the advice of a counselor 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. 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 toward change.

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 difficulties in the past, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support at times. In fact, therapy works best for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand. That is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by recognizing what needs to change in your life and making a commitment to pursue that change. Therapy can provide long-lasting benefits, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, change damaging patterns, and overcome present and future challenges.

How can therapy help me?

A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to fostering personal growth, enhancing interpersonal relationships, dealing with family concerns, and coping with the hassles of everyday life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem and help you more quickly proceed to a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals, and your values
Developing skills for improving your relationships
Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional responses
Improving communications and listening skills
Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
Discovering more effective ways to solve problems
Improving your self-esteem and boosting your self-confidence

What is therapy like?

Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual's specific goals. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People who get the greatest benefit from psychotherapy are willing to create greater awareness in their lives, take responsibility for their actions, and work toward change. Some things you can expect out of therapy are:

Respect, compassion, and understanding
Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
Real strategies for enacting positive change
Effective and proven techniques

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 distress and the behavior patterns that curb progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.

Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?

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:

What are my mental health benefits?
What is the authorized fee per therapy session?
How many therapy sessions per year does my plan authorize?
How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
Is approval required from my primary care physician?
How do I get an authorization number to give to my provider?

Is therapy confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. Under most circumstances, no information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client. However, there are some exceptions to confidentially that are mandated by law. These include:

Suspected child abuse, dependent adult abuse, or elder abuse. If suspected, the therapist is required to share this information with the appropriate authorities immediately.
Threats to harm another person or their property. The therapist is required to notify the police.
Intent to harm oneself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual, his or her loved ones, and/or appropriate authorities to ensure client safety.