Why do people seek therapy?
People come into therapy for many reasons. Some need to respond to
unexpected changes in their lives, while others seek self-exploration and
personal growth. When coping skills are overwhelmed by guilt, doubt,
anxiety, or despair, therapy can help. Therapy can provide support, teach
problem-solving skills, and enhance coping for issues such as depression,
anxiety, low self-esteem, unresolved childhood issues, spiritual
conflicts, and stress management. People seeking therapy learn how
to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and
create greater awareness in their lives.
What can I expect in a therapy session?
During a therapy session, you and your therapist are partners in
setting goals, exploring complicated issues, and working
toward solutions that work for you. During the time between
sessions it may be beneficial for you to think about and process what
was discussed. At times, you may be asked to take certain actions, such
as reading a relevant book or tracking a particular negative thought.
Sessions for individuals last 45 minutes and usually occur
weekly. Some people request a longer session or to come in more often
than once a week to work on a specific issue.
What benefits can I expect from working with a therapist?
Therapy can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you
in the direction of several possible solutions. Many people find therapy to
be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal
relationships, family concerns, and the hassles of daily life. The benefits
you obtain from therapy depend on how much you participate in the sessions
and how well you put into practice what you learn. Additional benefits
include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself and your personal goals and values
- Developing healthier relationship skills
- Setting better boundaries
- Finding new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communications skills (learn how to listen to others, get others listen to you)
- Getting "unstuck" from unhealthy patterns - breaking old behaviors and developing new ones
- Learning interpersonal effectiveness
- Boosting self-esteem and self-confidence
- Developing better emotional regulation
What if I don't know what my goals are for therapy?
Our first task together will be to explore how you want your life to be, and
what is getting in the way of creating the life you want. It often
takes a few sessions before a direction is clarified. And it's
important to note that during the course of therapy your goals may change
due to changing needs and desires. However, by working together to set a
direction, we have a tool to help us agree on a specific goal
and a way to measure our progress.
Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications
between a client and a psychotherapist. Information is not disclosed without
written permission. However, there are number of exceptions to this rule.
Please refer to the "Privacy & Policy" page for details. And your
information cannot be protected once it is shared with a third party, such
as an insurance company.
Do you accept insurance?
Please go to the section marked "Hours, Rates, Insurance" for
information.