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 aren’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 family and friends who I describe as being “too close to the tornado” able to be ‘swept up’ in your issue uncomfortably, and so will help only at a level that can make both of you feel comfortable, but not necessarily help you feel better or reach your goals.
In contrast, someone who has the training and experience to help objectively, with no consequences on the horizon of harbored frustrations or broken relationships (I’m not going anywhere), objectively and professionally is a healthier environment in which to learn how to manage whatever ails you without having to have the added worry about ‘what’re they going to think that I am saying this?’. It’s just you, the therapist, and the safe space.
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.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
Medication alone cannot solve all issues. What medication does is treat the symptoms. Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals.
Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy.
Medicine being out of my scope, If in talking it becomes apparent you might benefit from speaking to a psychiatrist, I have several I can consider referring you out to for consult. You are not committed to medication management by consulting with a psychiatrist, it is only in speaking to the source as to whether medicine is a good adjunct to talk therapy, for you.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs.
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say on 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.
On average people who work with me are here from 4-6 months until such time as they have felt ready again to manage on their own, some will extend their frequency out at that time, others will terminate altogether, and those who do not yet feel comfortable cutting ties will discuss continuing with same frequency, but we will discuss what is preventing them from feeling comfortable changing their dependence, it is all the work, all about putting in your hands what you wish to get out of your therapeutic experience.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication are crucial to your success. After all, we only see each other for a session a week. It’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development.
My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual counseling or come together?
If you are concerned about your relationship, and you would both like to work with me, I would you choose which of you would like to work with me, as I can only work with one in a relationship, the other I can refer to a colleague. The work each of you does in individual therapy will only benefit you in the relationship however I can only work with one of you and not both at the same time. Whomever I am working with always has the ability to invite the partner into his/her individual session if an ROI has been signed if doing so would benefit the client in therapy.
How do I align with your Counseling Office Online?
“Schedule an Appointment“ takes you to Setup via email to schedule initial appointment,
setup with counseling office online.
This will send me a message letting me know you’ve chosen a date and time that works for you, I confirm it works for me and voila you’re aligned!
I will then send you an email asking that you sign and fill out some intake documentation prior to our meeting to help me understand what your needs, history, and hopes for counseling are at this time so I know how best to help you.
You are able to schedule yourself as early as one day in advance, however, this is for only in-office.
If you wish to schedule for a Telehealth Appointment, I prefer that the initial appointment be in-person and then assess if you are appropriate for Telehealth.
Given how the times are, I understand some may prefer Telehealth and I’d be able to offer that as an option. If you prefer Telehealth and are open to an initial in-office, please let me know!