Psychotherapy FAQs

What are the benefits of seeking therapy?
People seek counseling services for a variety of reasons. A person may feel stuck in repeating negative patterns or behaviors in their life. The person may suffer from depression, anxiety, and/or substance abuse issues. There may be a life transition occurring, which can lead to stress and anxiety.

It is a personal decision to seek therapy. Speaking with someone, who is outside the situation, can bring new insights and perspectives on coping. Therapy provides a time for personal growth.

How long is a therapy session?
A session lasts approximately 50 minutes. You may be asked to come in a few minutes early, the initial session, to complete paperwork.

What to expect at your first session?
It is natural to be nervous, whether you have been to therapy before or not. During the first session, you will be asked to complete some standard paperwork. We will go over the paperwork. I will answer any questions regarding my policies and address the issue of confidentiality. We will discuss why you are seeking services at this time. I may ask questions to gain a better understanding and assess how I can best help.

At the end of the session, if mutually agreed upon, we will schedule another appointment. As we continue to meet, I’ll ask questions and share resources. I tailor my approach to meet your needs and goals.

How do I know if it is the right therapist?
The client/therapist relationship is an essential part of the therapeutic process. It is important that you believe you can confide in, be guided by, and learn from the therapist. It is important that you feel heard and understood.

What if I do not wish to discuss something that is brought up?
This is totally understandable. It is natural to feel uncomfortable discussing personal issues with someone you are just meeting. The goal is that overtime you develop more trust towards me, which leads to the willingness to discuss difficult issues. It is important to know counseling in and of itself is uncomfortable to some degree. You choose the road of therapy to relieve a greater unhappiness in your life.

When you are ready to discuss things, you will. It is not my role to judge or make you address things you are not ready to. It is to be a supportive guide.

How many sessions do I need?
Clients are often concerned with how long the process takes. Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer.

Resolution of the issue depends on several factors: your perception of the issue, your motivation to resolve the issue and your relationship with the therapist. Frequency of the sessions is determined by you and your therapist.

Sometimes, while working with your therapist, other issues may come to light. This is natural. Depending on your circumstances, you may or may not decide to address the issue at that time. Coming back to therapy down the road is always an option.