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Is therapy right for me?
Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of counsel 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 can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. 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 towards change in their lives.
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 some difficulties you've faced, its wise to seek out support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a well-trained ear for professional assistance. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change. "Good" therapy may provide long-lasting benefits and help you with self-awareness. It can give you needed tools to not entertain self-defeating patterns, thereby redirecting emotional energy to face your personal challenges.
How can therapy help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Therapists can provide help with unconscious conflict issues, support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that "good" counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem. 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 your "real" self and values
- Learning to emotionally process your personal information and adverse behavior reactions
- Improving your self-esteem
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, grief, sadness and other emotional pressures
- Improving communication and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns
- Appreciation of living with uncertainty
What is therapy like:
Every therapy session is unique. It's a highly personal relationship--unlike any other. 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. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:
- Understanding your personal and emotional "life story"
- Major insight as to who you "really are"
- Compassion, respect and understanding
- A sense of "support" to follow your real self and real dream(s)
- Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns
What About Medications?
There is no substitute for "good" therapy. In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action to continue to work with less anxiety so that change can occur. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the causes of emotional distress and the behavior patterns that curb your progress. .
Do you accept insurance?
No. However I offer invoices for services paid so that each patient can send "paid" bills to his/her carrier for partial reimbursement.
Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.
However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.
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