Useful Questions
Why therapy? I’m used to deal with my problems on my own.
Maybe you think that things will work out if you try hard enough, or if you wait it out. Then you realize how much of yourself you are giving up. It takes courage to seek
support. I am glad you made that choice. Knowing that you need support is the
first step towards change. You are accepting the challenges of your life and are
making a commitment to overcome them.
In our work together, I’ll help you develop long-lasting strategies to overcome your difficulties.
How does therapy work?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, the process will be different for each person. In general, we will together explore the issues you brought to therapy and develop new ways to deal with them. I provide guidance and tools such as problem-solving skills or coping strategies. I help you work with your triggers, and uncover behavioral patterns that get in your way. Therapy is a collaborative process between both of us. It works best if you are curious and actively engaged in bringing new skills and behaviors into your life.
Benefits from therapy may include:
- Better skills to cope with stress, frustration or anxiety
- Increased self-esteem and confidence
- More connected, satisfying relationships
- Managing difficult emotions such as anger, depression, resentment, guilt or shame
- Increased feelings of joy, compassion and creativity
- Clarity of life goals, and skills to achieve them
- Increased sense of ease, aliveness and being yourself
What are the first therapy sessions like?
At the beginning of therapy, we spend some time developing your goals for therapy. We will discuss your needs, and how I can meet them. Together, we will discover what therapy approaches work for you, and how I can best support you.
How do you work as a therapist?
I am here to support you as your guide and partner. I listen without judging and understand the world from your perspective. In our work together, I help you identify triggers and work with difficult emotions such as anger, shame, guilt or resentment. I support you to develop new skills and behaviors that feel more like yourself, identify goals for your life and help you work towards them, or support you in your personal development.
Together, we can also explore deeper issues related to your personal history, spiritual questions, or growing your creative spark.
I can help you see with more clarity, connect with the deeper knowing inside of yourself and find the visions that let you feel engaged and alive. My goal is not to give you ready-made answers, but to help you discover your own.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
As a mental health professional, I can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing your business.” Lastly, if your situation causes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.
What about medication?
Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. To achieve lasting changes in your life, it is important to work with the causes of your distress and explore behavioral patterns that get in your way. Our work together is designed to expand on your strengths to help you accomplish your personal goals. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Please consult with your medical doctor to determine what is best for you.
How long will it take?
Each person comes to therapy with different issues and goals. Therapy can be short-term, to help you deal with a specific issue, or more longer-term, to work on deeper behavioral patterns, difficult feelings or support your personal growth.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to support the process?
I am glad your are committed to getting the most out of your sessions and ready to work towards changes in your life. Therapy is a collaborative process between both of us. It works best if you are curious and actively engaged in bringing new skills and behaviors into your life. Sometimes I might suggest reading a book, journaling, or taking specific actions to help you explore issues outside of therapy and take learned skills into your life.