Francine D Pritt, MS, LPC, NCC
412-265-4574
COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Is therapy right for me?
Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of counsel as they pursue their own 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, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. 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.
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my
problems.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have
successfully navigated 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:
What is therapy like?
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their
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, where each session lasts around fifty minutes.
Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-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 records to track certain behaviors.
It is important process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life
between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active
participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy
are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change
and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can
expect out of therapy:
Is medication a substitute for therapy?
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course
of action. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for
you. It is well established 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 curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable
growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.
Do you accept insurance? How does
insurance work?
To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should
do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find
the answers to the following questions:
However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include: