Common Questions

Is therapy right for me? 

Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it's to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or perhaps problems with anxiety or depression, or family issues. Other times it's in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the support of a therapist as they embark on a journey of personal exploration and self discovery. 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 accessing their best Self, 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 extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to value a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you are in life and making a commitment to shift the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to manage 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 the therapeutic process can be a tremendous asset for managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the struggles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problems 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
• Improving your self-esteem and increasing self-confidence
• Identifying and exploring patterns that may no longer serve you
• Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
• Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
• Increasing emotional regulation
• Learning interpersonal skills for improving relationships
• Improving communications and listening skills
• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
• Learning new ways to manage stress and anxiety
• Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures.

What is therapy like? 

Every therapy session is unique as it focuses on your specific needs and  goals. A session includes talking about your concerns, exploring what is underneath and working with you to discover and grow. Most often, sessions are scheduled weekly, usually last for 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 wanting to explore and take responsibility for themselves, 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 core beliefs
• Real strategies for enacting positive change
• Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance

Is medication a substitute for therapy? 

There are only some situations in which the need for medication is recommended. Regardless, where medication is recommended, the research demonstrates that the use of medication is most effective if combined with therapy. 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 leave us in our own way and interrupt our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. If it is recommended that you take medication, as your therapist, I work closely with your psychiatrist to ensure continuity of care.

Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work? 

I am an out-of-network provider. This means I will provide you a monthly bill that contains all the information required for reimbursement by insurance companies. You will submit the bill directly to the insurance company and be reimbursed at their out-of-network provider rate. 

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 seriously threatening harm to another person, or reports a serious threat to a specific entity by an outside individual. The therapist is required to notify the police and warn the potential victim;
• 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.