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 a psychologist 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.
Psychologists 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 therapists can be a
tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships,
family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life.
Psychotherapists 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 your individual and specific
goals. It is standard for psychologists to discuss the primary issues and
concerns in your life during therapy sessions. Psychotherapy works best when
sessions are scheduled at least once per week, but often people can gain
much more benefit from a more frequent and intensive treatment approach.
Each session of individual psychotherapy lasts 45 minutes. Therapy can be
short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more
complex issues or ongoing personal growth. It can be helpful to process what
has been discussed and integrate it into your life between 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, understanding and confidentiality
- Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
- Real strategies for enacting positive change
- A safe environment where you can address your own personal needs and goals
Is medication a substitute for therapy?
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy can be the right
course of action. If in our work together I judge that you might benefit
from medication, I will discuss my reasons for thinking so with you and, if
you concur, will refer you to a psychiatrist with whom you will make the
final decision. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental
and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot best be solved solely
by medication. Psychotherapy 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?
I am not in the network of any of the insurance companies. To determine if
you have out-of-network 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 out-of-network 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 a doctrate-level psychologist?
- Is pre-authorization required from my insurance company or managed care plan?
If you are entitled to insurance reimbursement for your therapy, I will bill the insurance company directly, as a courtesy to you, and then balance bill you for any amount which the insurance company does not cover. You are ultimately responsible for all fees assessed for our work together.
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 dependant 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.
