I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?
Everyone needs help now and then. If you had a problem with your car, you’d take it to a mechanic. If you had a problem with your foot, you’d go see a podiatrist. If something was wrong with your furnace–you get the idea. Are you weak if you call a mechanic or a doctor? Certainly not! Isn’t it a far stronger indication of someone’s character to ask for help if you need it instead of stubbornly refusing to acknowledge that there is a problem?
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
We get paid! No, seriously: counselors are professionally educated and trained to help. Even very well-meaning and sincere personal acquaintances are unlikely to have the ability to help like a professional can. Also, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing your business” because your rights to confidentiality are protected by law.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
In our experience, there are typically three ways to deal with a clinical mood or behavior issue: therapy, or medication, or therapy and medication. Medication alone can sometimes be helpful; other times, just coming in to talk to someone once in a while is enough to keep you free from medication. Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy. At our practice, though, we do not prescribe medications.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
For the first session, you come in and have a conversation for about an hour. At the end of the hour, the counselor will make some suggestions that you are free to follow or ignore. All you have to do is talk and listen. What’s so hard about that?
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication is crucial to your success. After all, we only see each other for a session a week. It’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development.
My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual counseling or come together?
If you are concerned about your relationship, and you would both like to work with me, I would initially work with both of you together. After this work, if one of you would like to continue in individual sessions, I could work with only one of you. It is not helpful to move from individual into couple’s work with the same therapist because of potential trust issues.