How can therapy help me?
I believe that we are all growth directed. How many of us have lain down at the end of the day with a desire to do and be better tomorrow? To be more patient, more loving, more caring, more connected? We often feel shame at our imperfections and mistakes but there is no shame in wanting to live a more authentic life. Therapy can be extremely effective at faciliating growth and change. It also requires courage, vulnerability, and a willingness to explore areas of your life that may be painful to examine. Having a safe, compassionate space with a caring professional to explore your concerns can assist in providing the clarity you may be searching for.
I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?
Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the ability to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have some strengths that you’ve used before, that for whatever reason isn’t working right now. Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your past strengths. In our work together, I’ll help you identify what those strengths are and how to implement them again in what is happening now.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional 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. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, if 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 does therapy look like?
Therapy is a very personal process where we explore and address your primary concerns. Typically, we will meet once per week to address your therapeutic goals. Standard individual sessions are 50 minutes in length. In some cases, sessions may be held bi-weekly. During your session time we will focus on the issues that have caused you to seek counseling, as well as developing skills to assist you in living a more connected life. In order to be most effective, I encourage active participation in the therapeutic process.
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.
What is a Marriage and Family Therapist?
A Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) is a mental health professional who specializes in interpersonal relationships. A Marriage and Family Therapist receives extensive training in psychology and psychotherapy, as well as family systems. As we shape, and are shaped by our relationships it can be extremely beneficial to work with a professional trained in individual and systemic psychology. When working with individuals, couples, and families a general goal of an MFT is to help their clients achieve more fulfilling and connected interpersonal/intrapersonal relationships. For more questions about MFT’s or my experience, please feel free to contact me.
Is therapy confidential?
In order to be effective, you must feel safe to share your innermost thoughts, feelings, and fears. In general, everything you share with a therapist is protected by law, however there are some exceptions.
Exceptions to confidentiality are:
- Suspected child abuse (physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, witnessing domestic violence in the home) or neglect. This must be reported by the therapist to appropriate authorities.
- Suspected elder/dependent adult abuse. This must be reported by the therapist to appropriate authorities.
- Danger to others. If a person is threatening serious bodily harm to others the therapist must report this to appropriate authorities.
- Danger to self. If a person is threatening serious harm to him/herself, the therapist may take steps to keep the client safe.
- If information is court ordered.If you have specific questions about confidentiality please do not hesitate to ask.