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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:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Learning 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?
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:
- Compassion, respect and understanding
- Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
- Real strategies for enacting positive change
- Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance
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:
- 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?
Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and 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 make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.