What benefits can I expect from therapy?

A number of benefits are available from participating in counseling and psychotherapy. Often it is helpful just to know that someone understands. A therapist can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. Many people find therapy to be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, and the hassles of daily life. 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:

• Attaining a better understanding of yourself and your personal goals and values
• Developing skills for improving your relationships
• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
• Find new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
• Managing anger, depression, and other emotional pressures
• Improving communications skills - learn how to listen to others, and have others listen to you
• Getting "unstuck" from unhealthy patterns - breaking old behaviors and develop new ones
• Discovering new ways to solve problems
• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

Why do people seek therapy?

People come into therapy for many reasons. Some need to respond to unexpected changes in their lives, while others seek self-exploration and personal growth. When coping skills are overwhelmed by guilt, doubt, anxiety, or despair, therapy can help. Therapy can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping for issues such as depression, anxiety, lack of confidence, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, bereavement, spiritual conflicts, stress management, body image issues, and creative blocks. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives.

During sessions you are expected to talk about the primary concerns and issues in your life. A session lasts 45 minutes, but some people request longer sessions. Usually weekly sessions are best. Some people who are in crisis or extreme distress need more than one session per week, at least until the crisis passes. During the time between sessions it is beneficial to think about and process what was discussed. At times, you may be asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records. For therapy to "work," you must be an active participant, both in and outside of the therapy sessions.

 What if I don't know what my goals are for therapy?

If you aren't sure what your goals are for therapy, you and your therapist can work together to figure it out. It may take several sessions before a direction is clarified. During the course of therapy your goals may change. However, establishing a direction for therapy will help you get the most out of the experience.

Please see our Fees & Insurance page for more details, and call us for more information. If you have a PPO or indemnity plan or wish to use or request out-of-network coverage, we can provide you with documentation for reimbursement for our services.  Using your health insurance for therapy is a highly personal choice.  It's important to know the risks and benefits involved so that you can make an informed decision.  In order to give you the best and most private service possible, we have chosen not to accept health insurance as a direct form of payment for our services.  Managed-care insurance companies require us to compromise your privacy, disclose highly personal information about you and your therapy, and give you a mental disorder diagnosis, even if your situation doesn't warrant this diagnosis.  This mental disorder diagnosis can impact your eligibility to obtain future health and/or life insurance, and can increase your premiums and affect your overall coverage.  Please call us if you would like more information to help you make a choice that's best for you and your situation.

Is therapy confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there are number of exceptions to this rule. Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client is threatening serious and imminent bodily harm to another person/s. The therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to enlist the client's cooperation to ensure the client's safety. If the client does not cooperate, further measures may be taken without the client's permission in order to ensure safety.
• If a judge orders the therapist to disclose information relevant to a court case involving the client.  In most legal proceedings, the client has the right to prevent his/her therapy records to be disclosed.  However, in some proceedings, a judge may order that the therapist disclose treatment information if the judge deems this information necessary to decide the case.