How can psychotherapy 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, and distress tolerance. Many people also find that therapists 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 psychotherapy 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, marriage or with peers
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
Do you take insurance, and how does that work? I am considered an out-of-network provider. To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is call them. 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 a referral required from my primary care physician?
What is your cancellation policy? Your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you. If you are unable to attend, we ask for 1 business day/24 hours notice for any cancellations or moved appointments, and due to demand, 2 business days/48 hours for after school and evening appointments (2pm and later). Any changes or cancellations are made within these 24/48 hour windows will result in being charged the full session amount for the time that was reserved for you.
How often do I have to come? Finding the right balance between your goals for therapy and your lifestyle is the most important factor. I want to help you reach your goals without creating undue stress in your life- whether logistical or financial. I am flexible in finding the right frequency that aligns your goals and your lifestyle.
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.
Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me? People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creative blocks. Therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.
What is therapy like? Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, psychotherapy 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. It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, things may be suggested to you that 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. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives and take responsibility for their lives.
What about medication vs. psychotherapy? I see many clients both on and off of medication. Research suggests that people can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what’s best for you, and in some cases a combination of medication and psychotherapy is the right course of action.