Frequently Asked Questions
How can therapy help me?
Participation in psychotherapy offers a number of benefits that aren't always realized through individual perseverance or the support of friends. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, stress, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, and other obstacles to wholehearted living. A fresh, unbiased perspective on a difficult problem can point you in the direction of a solution or a new path. 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:
Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it's right for me?
People have many different motivations for seeking psychotherapy. Whether you are seeking to chart a new path in life or make some minor adjustments during a time of transition, the right therapist can provide encouragement and support and help you to develop new skills to successfully confront life's challenges.
What is therapy like?
The process of therapy can be hard work! The good news is that willingness to work through uncomfortable feelings and experiences can lead to new and more effective beliefs and approaches to the challenges of life and relationships. When difficulties arise, it is important to keep your therapist informed of problems promptly so that they can be dealt with in an honest and direct manner. While therapy works best with regularly scheduled sessions, the frequency of sessions may change over the course of treatment.
What about medication vs psychotherapy?
It is well established that medication alone is not a silver bullet long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause. Therapy goes beyond just treating the symptom by addressing the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. Sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being can best be achieved with an integrated approach to wellness (social, emotional, physical, spiritual). When appropriate I encourage clients to work closely with their medical doctor to determine the best course of action, which in some cases is a combination of medication and therapy.
What is your confidentiality and privacy policy?
Confidentiality is a critical component of the therapeutic relationship. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that may not have been discussed anywhere but in the therapist's office. The law protects the relationship between a client and psychotherapist and information cannot be disclosed without written permission. All communication with clients is held in strictest confidence with the following exceptions:
Participation in psychotherapy offers a number of benefits that aren't always realized through individual perseverance or the support of friends. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, stress, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, and other obstacles to wholehearted living. A fresh, unbiased perspective on a difficult problem can point you in the direction of a solution or a new path. 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
- Changing damaging behavior patterns that no longer serve you and developing new more healthy and effective ones
- Learning and practicing new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communications and listening skills that enhance relationships
Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it's right for me?
People have many different motivations for seeking psychotherapy. Whether you are seeking to chart a new path in life or make some minor adjustments during a time of transition, the right therapist can provide encouragement and support and help you to develop new skills to successfully confront life's challenges.
What is therapy like?
The process of therapy can be hard work! The good news is that willingness to work through uncomfortable feelings and experiences can lead to new and more effective beliefs and approaches to the challenges of life and relationships. When difficulties arise, it is important to keep your therapist informed of problems promptly so that they can be dealt with in an honest and direct manner. While therapy works best with regularly scheduled sessions, the frequency of sessions may change over the course of treatment.
What about medication vs psychotherapy?
It is well established that medication alone is not a silver bullet long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause. Therapy goes beyond just treating the symptom by addressing the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. Sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being can best be achieved with an integrated approach to wellness (social, emotional, physical, spiritual). When appropriate I encourage clients to work closely with their medical doctor to determine the best course of action, which in some cases is a combination of medication and therapy.
What is your confidentiality and privacy policy?
Confidentiality is a critical component of the therapeutic relationship. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that may not have been discussed anywhere but in the therapist's office. The law protects the relationship between a client and psychotherapist and information cannot be disclosed without written permission. All communication with clients is held in strictest confidence with the following exceptions:
- Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which I am required by law to report to the appropriate authorities immediately
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the potential victim
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law to ensure their safety.
