There are multiple benefits for someone to engage in therapy. Therapists can provide support, improve understanding of previous events and how they affect you today, enhance coping skills, provide education, and help manage things like depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship troubles, body image, self-esteem, among others. Others find therapist to be invaluable with processing feelings, coping with change and overall improve personal growth. The benefits that you obtain from therapy vary based on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn.

  

Do I really need to see a therapist?

  Well all go through changes and challenges in our life and even though you may have successfully navigated through previous difficulties, there is nothing wrong with getting additional support when needed. Often times it is individuals who have good insight and self-awareness are the ones who realize that they would benefit from additional help and support. Asking for help or support is an admirable strength as you realize where you are in life and are committing towards making a change through therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support.

Is therapy for me and why do others see a therapist?

​There are many different reasons for coming to therapy. Things like major life transitions (moving, change in employment, college, ect), or just difficulty with managing their current life circumstances are just some of the reasons why people seek therapy. Other things that people want assistance through therapy involve things like low self-esteem, relationship problems, anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and conflict. Others may be at a point where they want to learn more about themselves and want to be more effective towards meeting their future goals. There are many reasons why people seek out psychotherapy, but their primary goal is to improve where they are now and are ready to make the change in their life.

 

What is therapy like?

Therapy is different for everyone and depends on what challenges you are currently facing and the goals that you are wanting to accomplish. I tailor each treatment plan and my approach to the individual client so every experience is different. However, you can expect to discuss topics such as what is currently going on in your life, your history, goals that you would like to accomplish and progress as we work together towards obtaining those goals. Depending on your need and goals, therapy can be either short term to deal with something specific or long term to deal with more different situations, multiple challenges or the desire for more personal growth and exploration. Most commonly, you can expect to have regular sessions (usually weekly), but can also be spaced out with time.

 

Medication or therapy?

 It is well established that medication is not the way that mental health and emotional problems are managed long term as medication treats the symptoms. Therapy on the other hand, addresses the cause of the symptoms and distress that prevents you from moving forward. An integrative approach of therapy with medication may be beneficial and can be discussed with your therapist and doctor/psychiatrist/psychiatric nurse practitioner in terms of what is best for you.  

 

Is what we talk about confidential?

 Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and therapist. Successful therapy requires significant trust between the client and therapist as often things discussed in therapy are sensitive and often not disclosed outside that setting. The disclosure statement outlines all the guidelines and rules about confidentiality and a release of information can be filled out to share information between your therapist and your doctor or psychiatrist.

 

There are however exceptions to confidentiality set by the state law which include the following: 

• Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately. 

• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim. 

• If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety.