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 to 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 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.