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Is therapy right for me?
There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it’s to deal with long-standing issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times, it’s in response to unexpected changes in one’s life, such as a divorce/marital problems, death of a loved one, or work transition. Many people seek the support of a psychologist as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth.
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. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions.
People often think that their reason for seeking therapy is not important enough and that a psychologist might wonder why they came. No reason is going to be too small for us to explore in therapy. You don’t need to have a “problem” per se. Some people come in, not knowing what to expect and just wanting to find out what therapy is all about and/or have the opportunity to understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors better. Any reason you have for coming to therapy is valid.
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfullynavigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
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 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 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 or point you in the direction of 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 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
What benefits can I expect from working with a psychologist?
Therapy can provide insight and new perspectives into life’s challenges and can help create solutions to difficult problems. Working with a psychologist can enhance personal development, improve relationships and family dynamics, and can ease the challenges of daily life. Sometimes, just having a supportive professional to listen is helpful. Overall, people in therapy tend to have lower levels of anxiety and stress, decreased conflict, and improved quality of life.
How long is a therapy session?
Typically, a session lasts for 50 minutes and is scheduled on the same day at the same time every week. Depending on your specific needs, appointments may be scheduled twice per week.
What will happen when I come to my first appointment?
During our first appointment, it will be more of an information-gathering session than a regular therapy session. I will ask you questions and explore both what brings you into therapy at this time and some of your background information.
What can I expect in the following therapy session?
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. During therapy sessions it is standard to talk about the primary issues and concerns in your life - past, present, and future. Sometimes individuals who are going through a particularly difficult challenge may request more than one session per week. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue or long-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 track of certain behaviors. Between sessions it is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between sessions.
What is your fee?
My fee of $130 per session is based on usual and customary rates for psychologists in the area.
Why is therapy so expensive?
In addition to the time in session with you, my fee also covers time spent in between sessions doing the following work: writing notes to remember important details about you, doing research to find other resources you may need, reviewing note before session, tracking your progress, and most importantly, time thinking about you and figuring out how to best help you.
Therapy is an investment in you. It can help you remove painful or undesirable symptoms. Therapy offers the opportunity to change old patterns or gain control over the problems that pursue you.
Do you take my insurance?
I take the following insurance plans: Some Blue Shield plans, Aetna, MHN, TriWest and Conventry. If I am not on your insurance plan, I can provide you with an invoice/receipt for your insurance company if you would like to get reimbursed.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
All information gathered during the course of therapy is confidential and can be released only with the client’s written consent, within the limits of the law. Certain situations may dictate that I take steps to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Confidentiality may not be guaranteed for these specific circumstances. Examples include situations involving danger to self or others and suspicion of child or elder abuse. I will discuss these issues with you in more detail during our first session.
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