Is therapy right for me?

There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, as problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or a work transition. Many simply seek the feedback of a therapist 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 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 life.

What can I expect in a therapy session?

Every therapy session is unique and focuses on your specific needs and goals. During a session it is standard to talk about the primary issues and concerns in your life, and to work on learning and implementing tools for more effectively dealing with your issues and concerns.   It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts 50 minutes. Sometimes individuals who are going through a particularly difficult challenge may request more time per session or more than one session per week. 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 will be encouraged to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. Between sessions it is important to process what has been discussed and to practice any newly learned skills.  Therapy is most effective when you are an active participant, both during and between the sessions.

What benefits can I expect from working with a therapist?

Therapy can provide insight and new perspectives into life's challenges and can help create solutions to difficult problems. Many people find that working with a therapist can enhance personal development, improve relationships and family dynamics, and can ease the challenges of daily life. Sometimes, just having someone there to listen is helpful. Overall, people in therapy tend to have lower levels of anxiety and stress, decreased conflict, and improved quality of life.

 Is therapy confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there are several exceptions to this rule. Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. A therapist is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s. A therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself. A therapist must make every effort to enlist their cooperation in insuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, further measures may be taken without their permission in order to ensure their safety.