Do I need therapy?
I believe that everyone can benefit from therapy, particularly at certain points in life. Life can sometimes become difficult, especially when we're facing challenges, disappointments or emotional pain. Or, sometimes we can become stuck in patterns of behavior or thinking that just don't work and that keep us in places of discomfort, dissatisfaction, suffering or stagnation. Therapy can not only help with navigating life's difficulties more skillfully, but also create lasting change by altering maladaptive patterns of behaving and thinking. These changes can "sink in" and take hold in us, creating positive ripple effects that stay with us long after therapy has ended.
I talk to my friends/family about my problems. Isn't that enough?
It's a wonderful thing to have friends or family members who you can speak to about life; that connection and support is a very important part of our mental and emotional health. However, these individuals have typically lived your life along with you and that history often makes it difficult for them to view situations objectively. Seeing a therapist to discuss these issues can offer a different perspective that is more objective and therefore provide different insights and approaches to your problems.
Also, oftentimes when we speak with our friends or family about our problems, much of it can end up being "venting" about our problems. While venting can feel good in the moment and can result in empathy and support from those close to us, it sometimes can actually result in increased frustration, agitation and hopelessness about our problems. While therapy may sometimes include some "venting", therapy is focused on change and increased happiness & satisfaction with life.
Also, oftentimes when we speak with our friends or family about our problems, much of it can end up being "venting" about our problems. While venting can feel good in the moment and can result in empathy and support from those close to us, it sometimes can actually result in increased frustration, agitation and hopelessness about our problems. While therapy may sometimes include some "venting", therapy is focused on change and increased happiness & satisfaction with life.
Are you the right therapist for me?
To be honest, that's a difficult question to answer up front because it depends on how well you and I "fit" together. Just as with other people in your life, the therapeutic relationship depends upon a connection that grows and develops over time as we get to know each other.
No therapist is the right therapist for every person, but what I can say is that my experience has allowed me to work effectively with diverse populations comprised of individuals from varied backgrounds and of different ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, belief systems and occupations with a wide range of life challenges and goals.
No therapist is the right therapist for every person, but what I can say is that my experience has allowed me to work effectively with diverse populations comprised of individuals from varied backgrounds and of different ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, belief systems and occupations with a wide range of life challenges and goals.
What can I expect from therapy?
A therapy session differs from person to person, based on the personalities of the therapist and client, the issues that are being addressed in therapy, and the therapeutic style of the therapist, but it is always an interactive and collaborative process. Going to therapy is not someone telling you what to do with your life, but rather it is someone helping you realize and decide what is the most effective course of action to take for yourself that will increase enjoyment and satisfaction in life and decrease pain, suffering and problems.
The first few sessions of our work together will focus on me collecting information from you about your personal history, your current life situation, the needs or issues that brought you into therapy, your goals for treatment, and the barriers that are currently keeping you from achieving these goals. Then we will collaborate on a treatment plan that will be the foundation of the work we do going forward. This plan may evolve over time as your life situation and perhaps even your personal goals change as a result of the work we are doing together.
One thing that is very important to realize about therapy is that the more active and engaged you are in the therapy process, the more results you will get from it. While the therapy sessions themselves are very important, it is the action of taking what you learn from the sessions and applying them to your daily life that will create the change that you are wanting to see in your life. Sometimes, I may suggest specific homework to do in the time between sessions which will help you apply the ideas or insights we are discussing in session into your day-to-day life. These might be specific activities, mindfulness practices, or behavior change exercises. Engaging in these experiences will help you get the most out of the time and effort you are giving to the therapy process.
The first few sessions of our work together will focus on me collecting information from you about your personal history, your current life situation, the needs or issues that brought you into therapy, your goals for treatment, and the barriers that are currently keeping you from achieving these goals. Then we will collaborate on a treatment plan that will be the foundation of the work we do going forward. This plan may evolve over time as your life situation and perhaps even your personal goals change as a result of the work we are doing together.
One thing that is very important to realize about therapy is that the more active and engaged you are in the therapy process, the more results you will get from it. While the therapy sessions themselves are very important, it is the action of taking what you learn from the sessions and applying them to your daily life that will create the change that you are wanting to see in your life. Sometimes, I may suggest specific homework to do in the time between sessions which will help you apply the ideas or insights we are discussing in session into your day-to-day life. These might be specific activities, mindfulness practices, or behavior change exercises. Engaging in these experiences will help you get the most out of the time and effort you are giving to the therapy process.
How long does therapy take?
The answer to that question depends on several factors including the complexity of the issues being addressed in therapy, the client's goals for therapy, and the client's motivation and engagement in the therapeutic process. Addressing a very specific issue or concern may only require short-term therapy (8-10 sessions) whereas more involved situations may result in individuals being in therapy for a year or more.
I am never interested in keeping people in therapy longer than what is necessary to achieve their goals! Engaging in therapy, achieving goals, and then concluding your therapy experience can be very positive and satisfying!
I am never interested in keeping people in therapy longer than what is necessary to achieve their goals! Engaging in therapy, achieving goals, and then concluding your therapy experience can be very positive and satisfying!
Is what we talk about confidential?
Because of the personal and private nature of the content often discussed in therapy, confidentiality between client and therapist is very important. This confidentiality allows the client to trust the therapist and therefore be more open in honest in the therapy sessions. At the start of our work together, you will be provided with a confidential disclosure agreement ("Informed Consent") which identifies the very limited situations in which this confidentiality does not apply. In addition, there may be times when you would like some information shared with a specific person, such as a physician or attorney, but the law requires that you provide written permission for this to happen before any information can be released.
Please note that state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
* Report of 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 self or has threatened to harm another person.
Please note that state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
* Report of 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 self or has threatened to harm another person.
What is Gender Therapy?
Gender Therapy is when individuals who identify as transgender, gender fluid, genderqueer, agender, intersex, bigender, nonbinary, etc. utilize the services of a licensed behavioral health provider for the purpose of gaining clarity about their gender identity, identifying steps towards gender expression, obtaining skills to effectively manage their gender dysphoria, and/or receiving assistance in taking steps in their gender transition (social, legal, medical).
Being that I'm a clinician who provides Gender Therapy, individuals appreciate the ability to engage in services without having to "educate the therapist" about their gender identity, whether they are coming in for gender-related issues or other concerns.
Being that I'm a clinician who provides Gender Therapy, individuals appreciate the ability to engage in services without having to "educate the therapist" about their gender identity, whether they are coming in for gender-related issues or other concerns.