Common Questions
Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?
People have many different reasons for coming to therapy. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts, and creative blocks. Therapy can provide encouragement and help a person develop skills to get them through these periods. Other people may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking therapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.
How can therapy help me?
There are a number of possible benefits from participating in therapy. 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 great asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can also provide a fresh perspective on difficult problems 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:
Achieving a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
Learning skills for improving your relationships
Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
Developing 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 is therapy like?
Therapy is very client-centered. Since every individual has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the client. You can expect to discuss your current life situations, your personal history relevant to your issues, and your hopes for your future. In follow-up sessions, you can report progress or insights gained from previous therapy sessions. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term for a specific issue or longer-term to cope with more difficult patterns or more personal development. Whatever your goals are, it is beneficial to schedule regular sessions with your therapist.
How long will I be in therapy?
The duration of therapy varies greatly from person to person, so there is not a definitive answer to this question. There will be discussions over the course of therapy about your progress and if you are continuing to benefit from therapy. Discussions regarding termination will ideally be made by both therapist and client.
What about medication vs. therapy?
It is well-known that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that limit our progress. You can achieve more sustainable growth and a better sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what’s best for you, and in some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action.
Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and therapist. Therapy is the most successful when there is a high degree of trust about a client’s story/information not being discussed anywhere but the therapist’s office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent.” Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Psychiatrist, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
State law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children and elders must be reported to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person, emergency contacts, law enforcement, and/or emergencies services will be notified.