How can therapy help me?

A therapist can provide support for personal growth and increase client awareness through a professional perspective on challenging issues. Some of the benefits available through 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 seek therapy.
• Managing anger, grief, depression, and anxiety.
• Improving communication and education of social, self-soothing, and coping skills.

 

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 have 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 are at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy can have long-lasting benefits.

Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?

People have many different motivations for accepting the support of a therapist.   Some may be going through a major life transition or are having difficulty handling stressful life circumstances.  In short, people seeking therapy are ready to explore challenges and to make changes in their lives and in their relationships.

 

What about medication vs. 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 distress and the behavior patterns that curb your progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.  In some cases, a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action.

 

Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and a therapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust within the therapeutic relationship.  Upon request, I will provide you with a written copy of my confidential disclosure agreement.

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, dependent adults, and elders reportable to the appropriate authorities, such as The Child Abuse Registry and Adult Protective Services.

* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is in danger of harming him/herself precautionary steps are taken for the safety of the client. If the client has threatened to harm another person OR another person has threatened to harm the client, these are also reportable to the authorities (law enforcement) for the safety of the intended victim and the client.