I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to psychotherapy 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, that 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 teach additional skills to help with what is happening now.
What’s the difference between talking to you, my best friend or family?
The difference is a mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way. I will teach you new skills, provide 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.” 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?
Medication is designed to treat symptoms. Not all problems are treatable with medication. Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/ or relationship goals .
Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy.
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.
We may utilize mindfulness, meditation, visualization, art, or various talk therapy techniques to name a few. In addition, I will give you techniques and exercises to practice at home. A small part of the work is done in session and implementing and practicing it in your daily life is where real change and growth happen.
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to answer in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time needed in therapy 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.
I recommend weekly sessions in the beginning of therapy, to help establish a therapeutic relationship, and help the process of learning new skills we will be working on together. It is typically somewhere around the 10th session where the understanding of the work begins to click and become part of your daily practice.
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. It is essential that you attend your weekly sessions consistently. After all, we only see each other for one session a week. It is the work you do outside of our sessions that will help you see your growth and development.
My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual therapy 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 not helpful to move from individual into couple’s work with the same therapist because of potential trust issues.
