Common Questions

Is Psychotherapy right for me?

Seeking out psychotherapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to psychotherapy. Sometimes it is to deal with anxiety or depression, and sometimes with recent trauma. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of a psychotherapist as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a psychotherapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Psychotherapy can help address many types of issues including PTSD, chronic pain, headache, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, grief, addiction and recovery, and general life transitions. Psychotherapy 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 Psychotherapy?  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, psychotherapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking psychotherapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

How can Psychotherapy help me?

A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Psychotherapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as PTSD, including Combat PTSD, chronic pain, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, and creative blocks. Many people also find that psychotherapists can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Psychotherapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from psychotherapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from psychotherapy include:

• Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
• Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
• Learning new ways to cope with sleep disturbance
• Learning new ways to cope with chronic pain
• Managing the anxiety of PTSD, including Combat PTSD
• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek psychotherapy
• Developing skills for improving your relationships
• 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
• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence


What is Psychotherapy like?

Every psychotherapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for psychotherapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during psychotherapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. Psychotherapy 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 psychotherapy 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 patterns and negative feelings
• Real strategies for enacting positive change
• Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance

Is medication a substitute for Psychotherapy?

In some cases a combination of medication and psychotherapy 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, psychotherapy 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 approach to wellness.

Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?

To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:

• What are my mental health benefits?
• What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
• How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
• How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
• Is approval required from my primary care physician?

Is Psychotherapy confidential?

In general, 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. Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The psychotherapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
• 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.