How long do I have to be in therapy?
In a nutshell.. that’s up to you. Depending on the goals you have and what you would like to accomplish, therapy can range from as brief as 4 sessions to as long as you have a goal we are continuing to work towards. Typically I suggest 10-12 sessions to begin to notice initial changes towards goals. Please note that while I encourage having each session contain a focus on larger goals some factors such as inconsistent attendance or not continuing your personal growth work outside of sessions can delay the length of time it takes to observe notable progress towards your specific goal. Also remember you are free to end therapy at any point.
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 therapists can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family, and the stress of everyday life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. Results are not guaranteed and vary from person to person. 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 can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image concerns, and general life transitions. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by creating greater self-awareness and working towards change in your life.
What is therapy like?
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around forty-five 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 process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective it’s good to be an active participant, both during and between the sessions.
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. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. However, not everyone is helped by medication alone.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, please check with your insurance provider to find out if I am an in network provider for your plan. I also offer therapy on a sliding scale price range. Please contact me to obtain a copy of my sliding scale.
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.
- Additional possible limits to confidentiality include using mental health insurance or participating in an open court case such as a custody hearing where your mental health is in question.