Frequently Asked Questions
Is therapy right for me?
Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. 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.
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 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.
How can therapy help me?
A therapist can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for any issues you might be experiencing. 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.
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. 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.
Is medication a substitute for therapy?
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor you can 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 your progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.
Is therapy confidential?
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 which include:
1. Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
2. If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
3. 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 including involving the police.
How can I tell if I am depressed or just stressed?
Just the fact that you are asking yourself the question is significant. It may be an indication that you are experiencing something that you feel uncertain about how to manage. There are multiple sites which can assist you with self assessments. Click on the following links to access several online screenings:
Mental Health America - Screening Tools
Psychcentral - Depression Quiz
Stress.org - HRSI
Psytoolkit.org – Survey Library
ADAA.org - Screenings
Self Pay VS Insurance
The advantages of self-pay include:
1. No need for sharing of diagnosis information. To get therapy paid for by your medical insurance, you will have to be diagnosed with a mental "disorder" of some kind. In order to file a claim with the insurance company, we have to disclose that mental health diagnosis and that information can stay in your medical record forever.
2. You determine if, when, and what information regarding your mental health treatment is disclosed to third parties. When using insurance, the insurance company has a say on if and what information is disclosed. Some insurance companies require therapists to provide detailed information about why you are in therapy and how you are progressing in order to authorize additional sessions.
3. You and your therapist, together, can determine your treatment plan and length of treatment. When using insurance, the insurance company has a say in the number of sessions you get, how often you see your therapist, and how long you continue in therapy.