FAQs
I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Will this be weird?
Not at all. Smart people who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help to have a fulfilling life. In our work together, we’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.
What’s the difference between talking to a therapist or my friends & family?
Two main differences are: a therapist difference is that a good therapist can teach you new skills, help you gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. And the other main difference is that counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Even more than people knowing your business, you don’t have to sensor in any way what your experience is. It is exceptionally helpful to be completely honest with yourself anf thent o tell someone who can handle that.
Why is medication alone not enough?
Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals. Medication can support the progress you make in your life by allowing you to feel more stable, but the amount of ease it brings can not replace the new skills and awareness that come from therapy.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. We tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs.
We tailor our therapeutic approaches to your specific needs.Usually you come in and just talk. You don’t have to come with a particular topic but you certainly can. Don’t worry if you don’t know what to talk about. Your skilled therapist is like a ninja and can direct even idle chat into more valuable conversations. Also, some light chatting can be really good in a session. We can’t be intense all the time, we can take breaks from big stuff, and even laugh.
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place.
To give you some idea, if you are coming in for a single event like a car accident without much preexisting mental health challenges, we would expect 6-12 sessions. If you are coming in for a lifetime of anxiety or depression, or behaviors you can not manage you should expect regular weekly or bi-weekly therapy over months if you want to affect permanent change in your brain around those behaviors and feelings.
Good therapy really does change how your brain works, which means it is slow but its generally permanent, which makes it a great investment in your life forever after.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
We are so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success. This means show up, be honest and be open to learning more about yourself and how to care for yourself.