How can therapy help me?

 

A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. 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:

 

Improved understanding of yourself and your values

Skills for improving relationships

Managing anger, grief, depression, and other strong emotions

Improved listening and communication skills

Problem-solving skills, and interpersonal relationship skills

Overcoming self esteem issues

Changing negative behaviors into positive ones.

  

       Do I really need therapy?

  

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. Therapy is intended 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. Clearing emotional blocks, and removing negative influences from your life can help to move your life forward in the direction you have always wanted .

 

       What is therapy like?

 

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual.  In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session.

 

Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development.  Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly).

 

Active participation in the process, will lead to the best results..  The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life.  In sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process - such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals. It is often said that the “real work of counseling takes place between sessions”.  Many people find that they take what was discussed in the session, and think deeply about it, contemplating new ideas and directions to take based on the session’s content. Personal growth occurs both in session and outside of the session.

 

      Is therapy confidential?

 

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office.   Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone.  This is called “Informed Consent”.  Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.

 

However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

 

* 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.

 

* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.

 

 

      Do you accept insurance?

 

To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is call the company.  Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers.  Some helpful questions you can ask them:

 

• 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?