How can therapy help?
While it can be very helpful to talk about your problems to close friends and family members, sometimes you need help that the people around you aren’t able to provide. When you need extra support, an outside perspective, or some expert guidance, talking to a therapist or counselor can help. While the support of friends and family is important, therapy is different. Therapists are professionally-trained listeners who can help you get to the root of your problems, overcome emotional challenges, and make positive changes in your life.
Why therapy and not medication?
The thought of being able to solve your problems by taking a pill each day can sound appealing. If only it was that easy! Mental and emotional problems have multiple causes, and medication is not a one-stop cure.
Medication may help ease certain symptoms, but it comes with side effects. Furthermore, it cannot solve the “big picture” problems. Medication won’t fix your relationships, help you figure out what to do with your life, or give you insight into why you continue to make unhealthy choices.
Therapy can be time consuming and challenging. Uncomfortable emotions and thoughts often arise as part of the treatment process. However, therapy provides long-lasting benefits beyond symptom relief. Therapy gives you the tools for transforming your life.
What should I expect?
Normally, sessions will last 50 minutes and take place around once a week. For more intensive therapy, sessions may be scheduled more often or be longer.
Therapy is a partnership. We both contribute to the healing process. You’re not expected to do the work of recovery all by yourself, but I can’t do it for you either. Therapy is a collaboration.
Therapy will not always feel pleasant. Painful memories, frustrations or feelings might surface. This is a normal part of therapy and I will guide you through this process. Be sure to communicate with me about how you are feeling.
Therapy should be a safe place. While at times you’ll feel challenged or face unpleasant feelings, you should always feel safe. If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed or you’re dreading your therapy sessions, please tell me.
Your first therapy sessions
The first session or two of therapy is to establish a connection and a time for me to learn about you and your issues. We will also review your paperwork and I will answer any questions you have.
We will talk about what you hope to get from therapy and set your goals.
How long does therapy last?
Everyone’s treatment is different. How long your therapy lasts depends on many factors. Complex issues take some time to sort out and process. Some treatments are short term by design while others lasts longer. Practically, your insurance coverage may limit your number of sessions. If at any time you feel that your therapy is not progressing or is not benefitting you, I want to know. I believe that therapy should have an endpoint and my goal is to help you get there successfully.
How do I make the most of therapy?
Apply what you are learning to your life. Fifty minutes in therapy each week isn’t going to change your life unless you use what you’ve learned.
Don’t expect me to tell you what to do. You and I are partners. I can guide you and make suggestions for treatment, but only you can make the changes you need to move forward.
Make a commitment to your treatment. Don’t skip sessions unless you absolutely have to. If I give you homework in between sessions, be sure to do it. If you find yourself skipping sessions or dreading our session, ask yourself why. Are you avoiding painful discussion? Did your last session touch a nerve? Let’s talk about it.
Share what you are feeling. You will get the most out of therapy if you are open and honest about your feelings. If you feel embarrassed or ashamed, or if something feels too painful to talk about, it’s important to let me know. I want to help you feel safe and earn your trust so that you can process whatever you need to, even when it’s hard.
Is therapy working?
It’s important to evaluate your progress together periodically to make sure you’re getting what you need from therapy.
A word of caution: There is no smooth, fast road to recovery. It’s a process that’s full of twists, turns, and the occasional backtrack. Sometimes, what originally seemed like a straightforward problem turns into a more complicated issue. Be patient and don’t get discouraged over temporary setbacks. It’s not easy to break old, entrenched patterns.
When do I stop therapy?
When to stop therapy depends on you and your individual situation. Ideally, you will stop therapy when you and I decide that you have met your goals.
Leaving therapy can be difficult. Remember that the therapeutic relationship is a strong bond, and ending this relationship is a loss – even if treatment has been successful. Some sadness and anxiety is normal. It’s also not uncommon for people to go back to a therapist from time to time as needs arise.
Is therapy covered by insurance?
In the U.S., many insurance companies provide limited coverage for psychotherapy—often as few as 6-12 sessions. Read through your plan carefully to see what benefits you have. Some types of mental health professionals might not be covered. You may need a referral through your primary care physician. If I am out-of-network, your insurance may still provide some reimbursement for the cost of our sessions.
What are your hours?
Hours (by appointment)
Mondays | 9 am – 7 pm |
Tuesdays | 9 am – 7 pm |
Wednesdays | 9 am – 7 pm |
Thursdays | 9 am – 7 pm |
Fridays | 9 am – 7 pm |
Saturdays | Closed |
Sundays | Closed |