Frequently Asked Questions

Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people choose to have therapy. Sometimes they want to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it’s in response to unexpected life changes, such as a divorce or work transitions. Many seek the advice and counsel as they pursue 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, body-image issues, conflict, grief, stress management and general life transitions. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting more out of life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change.

Every therapy session is unique and caters to an individual's 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, each lasting around fifty minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. Sometimes, you are asked to take certain actions outside therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process and integrate what has been discussed into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective, you must be active during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change, and create greater awareness. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:

• Real strategies for enacting positive change
• Self-compassion, respect, and understanding.
• Perspectives to illuminate negative patterns  and feelings
• Effective and proven techniques, along with practical guidance

To determine if you have mental health coverage, you should first check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:

• What are my mental health benefits?
• What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
• How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
• How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
• Is approval required from my primary care physician?

The law generally protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a 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 try to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.

Several benefits can emerge from participating in psychotherapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues, and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be tremendously helpful in managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on complex problems or point you toward a solution. The help you obtain from therapy depends on how well you use the process and practice what you learn. Some of the benefits can include:

• Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
• Developing skills for improving your relationships
• Finding a resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
• Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
• Better management of powerful emotions such as anger, grief, and depression
• Improving communication 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

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated many difficulties you’ve faced, there’s nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. Having enough self-awareness to realize when you need a helping hand is to be admired. By taking responsibility and accepting where you’re at in life, you’re committing 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 the challenges you face.