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 therapists can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapist can also help to provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction that will help to facilitate change. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you’ve learned. 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 therapy
Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
Learning how to improve communication 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
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. Therapy can be seen as a strength rather than a weakness. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you are in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking help. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support; giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcoming whatever challenges you maybe faced with.
What is therapy like? Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, it 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 circumstances, or your desire for more personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly). 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 restore balance and improve the quality of life.
Will I be charged a fee if I need to cancel an appointment? Appointments can be cancelled with no fees however a 24 hr notice is appreciated. No Show appointments may not be rescheduled.
Are my therapy sessions confidential? Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and therapist. 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 his or her confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. In the event you want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, School, Attorney), by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
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 threaten to harm another person.