Is therapy right for me?
Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why
people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing
psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it
is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work
transition. Many seek the advice of a therapist or mental health
professional as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth.
Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new
strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many
types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress
management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Therapy is
right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by
taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards
change in their lives. In some cases, medication further benefits the
therapeutic process.
Do I need medication or therapy or both?
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of
action. As a Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry, I am licensed to prescribe
medication. Working together, we can determine what's best for you. It is
usually the case that long-term solutions to mental and emotional problems
and the pain they cause may not be solved solely by medication. Often, you
can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with
an integrative approach to wellness. However, in cases of neurodevelopmental
disorders (e.g., ADHD and autism spectrum) medication is usually needed
to achieve the best results. I can work with children and their families to
design the best course of care.
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, and that is something to be admired and respected. You are
taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a
commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides
long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid
triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you
face.
How can therapy help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy.
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 counselors can be a tremendous
asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family
concerns, marriage issues, and the challenges of daily life. Therapists
can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the
direction of a solution. 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, your goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communications 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
What is therapy like?
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their
specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues
and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule
a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes.
Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term,
addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be
times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy
sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track
certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and
integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most
effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the
sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility
for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in
their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:
- Compassion, respect and understanding
- Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
- Real strategies for enacting positive change
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Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance
Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?
To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should
do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and
find the answers to the following questions:
- What are my mental health benefits?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
- How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
- How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
- Is approval required from my primary care physician?
Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law strictly protects the confidentiality of all
communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is
disclosed without prior written permission from the client.
However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.