How do I know if therapy is right for me?

The choice to seek therapy is a very individual decision. People come to therapy for many different reasons. Perhaps it is to deal deal with problems with anxiety or depression; perhaps there are concerns about drugs, alcohol or other addictive behaviors. Other times, it is in response to unexpected, or anticipated. changes in one's life such as a life cycle transition, children leaving for college, divorce, work challenges. Working with a therapist can help reveal personal insight and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy is a good step for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and embracing change.

 I can usually handle my problems. Why should I seek therapy now?

Everyone goes through challenging, often unexpected, 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. Therapy can provide long-lasting benefits and support by assisting you in developing the healthy coping skills and tools, recognizing patterns that aren't working well for you, and overcoming the challenges you may encounter. 

Is therapy confidential?

The law protects the confidentiality of communications between a client and psychotherapist. information is not disclosed without prior written permission from the client, with the exception of the following situations:

• Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• Reasonable suspicion that a client is threatening serious harm to another person, or the property of another person. The therapist is required to notify the police and attempt to warn the intended victim, if that information is known.
• Client's intent to harm himself or herself, or is unable to provide safety for provide for their basic safety needs. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, additional measures may be required in certain circumstances.

How can therapy help me?

Participating in psychotherapy can provide some valuable benefits. Talking with a therapist can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or can point you in the direction of a solution. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

• Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
• Developing skills for improving your relationships
• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
• 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

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 approximately 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, troublesome behaviors patterns 
• Real strategies for enacting positive change
• Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance
  

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 our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative and targeted approach to wellness.

Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?

I do not currently accept insurance in lieu of payment for my services.  However, your insurance company may partially reimburse you for an out-of-network provider. In this case, I will be pleased to provide you with a receipt to use in submitting your claim for reimbursement.