Is therapy right for me?
Do I really need therapy?
I can usually handle my
problems.
How can therapy help me?
What is therapy like?
Is medication a substitute for therapy?
Do you accept insurance?
How does insurance work?
Is therapy confidential?
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 counsel as they pursue their own
personal exploration and growth. Working with a family mental health
psychiatric nurse practitioner 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.
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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 or medication 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.
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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 hassles 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
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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 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
- Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance
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Is medication a substitute for therapy?
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of
action. I can help determine what's best for you. It is well established
that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain
they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating
the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior
patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and
a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.
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Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law 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.