Common Questions

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How can therapy help me?

Therapy offers a multitude of benefits, including support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues like depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image concerns, and creative blocks. Counselors can also be invaluable in managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and daily life hassles. They provide a fresh perspective on problems and guide you toward solutions. The benefits of therapy hinge on your active engagement and application of what you learn.

Benefits of therapy may include:

  • Gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, your goals, and your values.
  • Developing skills to improve your relationships.
  • Finding resolutions to the issues that led you to seek therapy.
  • Learning new ways to cope with stress, anxiety, anger, grief, and depression.
  • Enhancing communication and listening skills.
  • Breaking old behavior patterns and cultivating new ones.
  • Exploring fresh approaches to family or marital problems.
  • Boosting self-esteem and self-confidence.
Do I need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
Facing life's challenges is a universal experience, and while you may have overcome previous difficulties on your own, seeking additional support is a commendable step. Therapy is not a sign of weakness but rather a testament to your self-awareness and willingness to seek assistance when necessary. By acknowledging where you stand in life and actively choosing to pursue therapy, you're demonstrating responsibility and a commitment to effecting positive change.

Therapy offers enduring benefits and support, equipping you with the necessary tools to navigate triggers, redirect harmful patterns, and conquer the obstacles you encounter.

Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?

People seek psychotherapy for various reasons, driven by a multitude of motivations. Some may be navigating significant life transitions such as unemployment, divorce, or starting a new job, while others may struggle to cope with stressful circumstances. Many individuals require assistance in managing issues like low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship conflicts, spiritual dilemmas, or creative barriers. Therapy offers essential support and equips individuals with the necessary skills to navigate these challenges effectively.

Others may find themselves at a juncture where they're eager to delve deeper into self-discovery or enhance their effectiveness in pursuing life goals. In essence, those seeking psychotherapy are prepared to confront the hurdles in their lives and embrace the changes necessary for personal growth.

What is therapy like?

Therapy is a highly individualized process tailored to address each person's unique issues and goals. Expect discussions about current life events, relevant personal history, and progress since the last session, including any new insights gained. Therapy duration varies based on specific needs, ranging from short-term interventions targeting specific issues to longer-term engagements aimed at addressing deeper patterns or fostering personal development. Typically, sessions are scheduled regularly, often weekly.

Active participation is key to maximizing therapy's benefits. Beyond session work, therapists may recommend supplementary activities such as reading relevant literature, journaling on specific topics, monitoring behaviors, or taking action toward personal goals. Those seeking psychotherapy demonstrate readiness for positive life changes, openness to new perspectives, and a commitment to taking ownership of their lives.

What about medication vs. psychotherapy?

It's widely acknowledged that medication alone isn't a comprehensive solution to mental and emotional challenges and associated distress. Therapy goes beyond symptom management by delving into the root causes of our struggles and the behavior patterns that hinder our progress. Sustainable growth and enhanced well-being are best achieved through an integrative approach to wellness.

Collaborating with a medical doctor can help determine the most suitable course of action for you. In certain instances, a combination of medication and therapy may be the most effective approach.

Do you take insurance, and how does that work?
Before proceeding with mental health services, it's essential to ascertain whether you have coverage through your insurance carrier. Start by contacting your insurance provider and thoroughly review your coverage to ensure clarity. Here are some pertinent questions you may consider asking:
  • What are the specifics of my mental health benefits?
  • What is the coverage amount allocated per therapy session?
  • How many therapy sessions does my plan accommodate?
  • What is the reimbursement rate for services rendered by an out-of-network provider?
  • Is prior approval necessary from my primary care physician?

Gathering this information will enable you to make informed decisions regarding your mental health care and maximize the benefits available through your insurance coverage.

Do our therapy conversations remain confidential?

Confidentiality forms the bedrock of trust between a client and their psychotherapist. Effective therapy hinges on this trust, allowing for open discussion of highly sensitive subjects typically reserved for the therapist's office. It's standard practice for therapists to provide a written confidential disclosure agreement, ensuring that the contents of your sessions remain private.

This agreement, known as "Informed Consent," guarantees that what you share during sessions will not be disclosed to anyone without your explicit consent. However, there may be instances where you wish for your therapist to communicate with other healthcare professionals, such as your physician, naturopath, or attorney. In such cases, your therapist is bound by law to seek your written permission before sharing any information.

However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
* 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 him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.


Administrator Director: Jody Leighty

[email protected] - (424) 435-8946

Assistant Administrator: Tess Shin

[email protected] - (323) 329-6379