Frequently Asked Questions
Before taking the step to initiate therapy, there are often many questions and concerns individuals have. This can be an uncertain and sometime scary step and my goal is to make this an easy and comfortable process. The following are common questions, feel free to contact me with any additional questions to help guide you through this process.
Is Therapy Right for Me?
Taking the step to initiate therapy shows great self-awareness to realize that you can no longer manage challenging life situations on your own. It can be very difficult to reach out for help when things in life get tough and being able to do this shows your ability to accept where you are at in life and make a commitment to change your situation.
Therapy provides long-term benefits and support. I work to provide you with the tools and skills you need to avoid future triggers, create new cycles of interaction to counteract damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges may arise in the future. People come to therapy for many reasons; some have encountered major life transitions while others feel they are not handling stressful circumstances appropriately. Therapy can help provide encouragement and help to build skills to get individuals, couples and families through these periods. Therapy can help you meet life’s challenges and learn how to deal with new challenges and changes in the future.
What is Therapy Really Like?
Each person has their own issues and goals for therapy, so therapy look a little bit different for everyone. In general, expect to discuss current life events, in additional to exploring your life history in relationship to this issue. You will also discuss your progress outside of session and any challenges you face along the way. Therapy can be short-term, dealing with one particular issue or longer-term depending upon the nature of your concern.
It is important to realize that you have to actively participate in therapy in order to be successful. Applying what is discussed in session to your daily life is the key to success in therapy. Talking about challenges for just 45 minutes per week will not help you change patterns that have persisted for years. Sometimes homework will be assigned to highlight in-session work. Sometimes this is reading a particular book, journaling or tracking behaviors. Again, every session and therapeutic experience is different depending upon the goals and needs of the client.
Does What we Talk about Remain Confidential?
Confidentiality is one of the most important components of a therapeutic relationship. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. Sometimes you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone such as your Physician, Attorney, School, 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:
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Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
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If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threated to harm another person.