What is therapy like?
Time
Sessions are usually on a weekly basis, at a regular time and last around fifty minutes. Why? Meeting once a week leaves some time between sessions so that you can allow what has been discussed in session to take effect. What I mean is, thoughts, feelings, realizations will surface as a result of what we are working on. Also, if it is that you are needing to practice something between sessions, a week provides a chance for that practicing to happen, you can bring it back to me and we can problem solve or reinforce the success. Finally, too long between sessions can cause the nature of treatment to be diffuse, which is sometimes not as helpful. It is important that we find a regular time in order to create some consistency and structure, which makes a stable foundation from which to do the important work you set out to do.
What happens in session?
Every therapy session is unique and caters to your specific needs and goals. It is standard that I will ask you about the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. This part can feel cathartic and relieving, but can also feel uncomfortable at times. As you discuss your life and your concerns, you can expect that I will be attending very closely to what you are saying and how you are feeling. It is my goal for you to feel understood and connected. I will often make comments about what I am sensing is occuring in the room, which includes discussion about the process that is occuring in the therapeutic relationship (between you and I). I will be curious and also ask you about your experiences in the room and with me. This is important because part of the healing process is related to the interactions that occur in the therapeutic relationship. This looks different with every client, couple, family, child depending on what we are working on.
More generally about the nature of therapy:
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 I ask you to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, like reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. However, what you choose to do is up to you. I do not believe that forcing anything is part of the healing process. If you elect not to take action, then we get to talk about what happened for you. At the same time, it is important to know that for therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. If you are seeking help, it probably means you are willing to take responsibility for your actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in your life. Those are key ingredients to your success in treatment. I can have a great vision for you, see what is happening and do all the work to try to help you make things work, but none of my effort will matter if you are not willing to be responsible for change in your life.
**It is important to know that it often times can feel like things get worse before they get better. This is normal. It feels that way because, in the beginning, we are looking at problems and really bringing to the surface what is going on. This is an important step so that we can understand together the full picture of what is going on. From there, the goal is for things to get better. Being in therapy can be a challenging, but highly rewarding process.
Is therapy right for me?
Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are a lot of reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing issues, family problems, prolonged experience of anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in life like a divorce, work transition or illness. Many people seek therapy 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, 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.
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life (it's part of being human!), and while you or your family 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. 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. As your therapist, I can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that therapy can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, parenting challenges and the hassles of daily life. I can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or help you access your own inner direction toward a creative solution that hadn't been readily available to you. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how you utilize 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 with important people in your life
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones that are in line with your goals
- Discovering new ways to solve problems, communicate and be connected in your family or marriage
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence