Common Questions

Therapy offers various benefits, including support, problem-solving skills, and coping strategies for depression, anxiety, relationship issues, childhood traumas, grief, stress, body image concerns, and creative blocks. Counselors help with personal growth, relationships, family matters, marriage issues, and daily hassles by offering fresh perspectives or solutions. The effectiveness of therapy depends on your engagement and application of what you learn. Benefits of therapy include:

• Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals, and 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 pressures
• Improving communications and listening skills
• Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
• Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

Everyone encounters challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated other difficulties, seeking additional support when needed is entirely appropriate. Therapy is for individuals who possess self-awareness to recognize when they require assistance, which is commendable. By acknowledging your current situation and committing to change through therapy, you take responsibility for your well-being. Therapy offers enduring benefits and support, providing essential tools to manage triggers, modify harmful patterns, and address any challenges you may encounter.

Individuals seek psychotherapy for a variety of reasons. Some may be experiencing significant life transitions, such as unemployment, divorce, or a new job, and may find it challenging to manage these stressful situations. Others might require support in dealing with issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, interpersonal problems, spiritual conflicts, or creative blocks. Therapy can offer essential encouragement and equip individuals with skills to navigate these difficult periods. Additionally, some individuals may wish to gain deeper insights into themselves or aspire to achieve their personal goals more effectively. In essence, those who pursue psychotherapy are prepared to confront the challenges in their lives and make meaningful changes.

Because each individual has unique concerns and objectives for therapy, the therapeutic process will vary accordingly. Generally, therapy involves discussing current life events, relevant personal history related to the issue at hand, and reporting any progress or new insights gained from previous sessions. Depending on specific needs, therapy may be short-term, addressing a particular issue, or long-term, focusing on more complex patterns or personal development goals. Regular therapy sessions are usually scheduled weekly. 

Active participation is crucial for effective therapy. The goal is to apply what you learn in sessions to your daily life. Your therapist may suggest activities like reading, journaling, or observing behaviors that support this process. Those seeking psychotherapy are prepared to make positive changes, welcome new perspectives, and take responsibility for their lives.

Research indicates that long-term solutions to mental and emotional issues, along with their associated pain, cannot be addressed solely by medication. Therapy aims to address the root causes of distress and behavior patterns that inhibit progress, rather than just alleviating symptoms. Sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being are often achieved through an integrative approach to wellness. Collaborating with medical professionals can help determine the best course of action, which in some cases may include a combination of medication and therapy.

The first step in determining if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier is to call them.  Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers.  

Some helpful questions you can ask them:

• What are my mental health benefits?

• What is the coverage amount per therapy session?

• How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?

• How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?

• Is approval required from my primary care physician? 

**I am an out-of-network provider. I will give you a bill to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement. Your services may be covered fully or partially by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. **

Confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of the client-psychotherapist relationship. Effective therapy relies on a significant level of trust, dealing with highly sensitive issues that are typically only addressed within the confines of the therapist's office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidentiality agreement, ensuring that clients understand the discussions held during sessions will remain private. This principle is referred to as “Informed Consent.” However, there may be circumstances where a client wishes their therapist to share information or provide updates to another member of their healthcare team (such as their physician, naturopath, or attorney). In such cases, therapists are legally required to obtain the client's written consent before releasing any information.

However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.

* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.