I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?
Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the ability to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have some strengths that you’ve used before, that for whatever reason isn’t working right now. Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your past strengths. In our work together, I’ll help you identify what those strengths are and how to implement them again in what is happening now.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
Children don’t try this at home. There is a big difference between pros and amateurs. What you are paying for is someone who has the training and experience to do what it takes professionally i.e. clinically, to get you where you need to be. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself, this is probably most important.
Additionally, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” And that may not be the case with friends and family. Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, if you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
I wish there was a magic pill to take. Medication alone cannot solve all issues. What medication does is treat the symptoms. It can relax you and take the edge off the peaks and valleys. But our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your thoughts, emotions and behaviors and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals. Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. I have a style which is interactive and many people like it. Basically we are going to talk and discuss the issues that you are facing and your thoughts and emotions regarding it.
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 therapy 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 therapy in the first place.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
Meet me half way. I am like the watchman on the road meeting you with a lamp. Your active participation and dedication is crucial to your success. You get out what you put in. After all, we only see each other for a session a week. It’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development.
My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual counseling or come together?
If you are concerned about your relationship, and you would both like to work with me, I would initially work with both of you together. After this work, if one of you would like to continue in individual sessions, I could work with only one of you. It is not helpful to move from individual into couple’s work with the same therapist because of potential trust issues.