Answers To Some Common Questions

What’s the difference between counseling & psychotherapy?

The terms "counselor" and "psychotherapist" are often used interchangeably and have many similarities, but there are some important differences as well. In general, counseling is recommended for specific issues and situations, such as addiction or grief, and takes place over weeks to several months. Psychotherapy, in contrast, tends to explore past issues that might be contributing to present day problems. It often takes place continually or intermittently over a period of years. In actual practice, however, there is a great deal of overlap between the two types of therapies.

 

Why do people seek therapy?

People come into therapy for various reasons such as, sudden changes in their lives, whether traumatic or unplanned, while others seek self-exploration and personal growth. If you feel overwhelmed by guilt, doubt, anxiety, or despair, therapy can help. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools, you need to avoid triggers and overcome challenges.

 

Do I really need therapy?

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.

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What the benefits of virtual therapy?

• Allows clients greater flexibility in scheduling appointments

• Gives clients in rural areas access to mental health services

• Provides access to services for clients with physical limitations

• Eliminates the commute time to and from office visits

• Removes the fear of seeing others in a waiting room

• Permits sessions to be held in familiar surroundings

• Makes treatment more approachable for clients with severe anxiety

• Presents the option for greater anonymity

 

What would a client experience in therapy?

Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions, we often assign "homework assignments."

 

I am nervous, should I be?

It is completely normal to be nervous or anxious before attending a therapy session, especially your first one. For some, the feelings of anxiety last beyond the first session and may occur before the appointments during the initial phase of therapy or recur at various points in the treatment when addressing critical issues. We are here for you and care for you. We will be here for you through this journey.

 

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How do I schedule my first therapy session?

You can begin by completing the contact form or simply requesting for a (free) consultation appointment. Typically, we try to respond within 24 hours of submitted requests.

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What to expect the first session?

All our psychotherapy services are via telehealth/virtual. During your first session, you and your therapist will get to know each other. Thereafter, a review some of the paperwork you have pre-completed and answer any question you may have. You will be asked about your presenting issue, which is the reason you are seeking therapy. Your therapist may ask a number of questions about your symptoms, history, as well as frequency or intensity. The intake session typically lasts around 60-75 minutes.

 

How will therapy help me?

Benefits of Counseling

• Explore thoughts, feelings, and worries without judgment.

• Develop coping strategies for different situations.

• Practice self-reflection and awareness.

• Work on habits you’d like to change.

• Improve, understand, and communicate about relationships.

 

 

 

What’s the difference between talking to a therapist 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, and 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.

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I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

We are so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions! Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success.

 

How Many Times Do I Need to Meet with a Therapist?

Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. The frequency in which you meet with your therapist will be determined/based on your situation. We usually tell our clients to consider starting with weekly sessions, especially at the beginning of treatment and is the most ideal. Of course, and understandably, factors such as scheduling and finances may come into factor and we can always work around that together. Therapy sessions typically run for 50-55 minutes for at least 12 weeks. Many clients stay in therapy longer than that, especially if they have deeper or longer-standing issues, or if they simply want to keep improving and moving forward. Often, as a client makes progress in treatment, the visits will be less frequent, perhaps every other week or once a month. Again, this is determined per individual client and circumstances.

 

 

 

Do I have to talk about things from the past that may be painful or embarrassing issues?

You do not need to share all of your inner  or more personal concerns at your first session. We understand that it takes time to build trust and rapport. For example, many times, clients indicate that they experienced significant trauma in the past and are not ready to address it. This is perfectly fine. Again, it takes time to build trust.  As you establish a stronger therapeutic rapport, you and your therapist will know when it is time to share.

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Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. You will receive a written copy of your confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your physician, psychiatrist, attorney, etc.), but by law, your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

 

• Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and Law Enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources. 

• If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person. 
   

What about medication vs. psychotherapy? 

Both medication & psychotherapy are used to treat a variety of mental health disorders. They can be used together, but one is often used to the exclusion of the other. When used together, they can complement each other. Research has indicated that medications can bring symptom relief, which can be very welcome, but is often limited(1). In contrast, the effects of psychodynamic therapy are considerable, long lasting, and even increase over time(2). Another kind of comparison between psychotherapy and medication involves a passive-active factor. Taking medication is a passive process for the recipients, who take their pill(s) for example, swallow, and experience their effects. Psychotherapy needs an active approach to work. The therapist doesn't  provide the treatment while their clients, in turn, sit there and accept it. Rather, the client must at least make an equal or better contribution. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you, and in some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.

(1) Aftab, A. (2020) Psychoanalysis and the re-enchantment of psychiatry: Jonathan Shedler, Ph.D. Psychiatric Times, July 29, 2020.

(2) Shedler, J. (2010). The efficacy of psychodynamic psychotherapy. American Psychologist, 65(2), 98-109.

 

 

What if I am in crisis? 

If you are in crisis, please go to your nearest emergency department or call 911. If you are a client, you may call your therapist and let them know that you are in crisis. However, DO NOT wait for an immediate response as they may be unable to get back to you right away. Please allow your therapist 24 business hours to respond to any correspondence made with them. They may be in session and may not be able to respond to you until the next day. Emails and phone calls will be responded as soon as possible. 

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