FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is therapy?
Talk therapy, psychotherapy, is a way for people with a variety of mental illnesses and emotional challenges to get help. It can reduce or eliminate challenging symptoms so that a person can feel better and can increase well-being and functioning. Psychotherapy can help with difficulties in coping in daily life, such as loss, trauma or illness and specific problems like anxiety or depression. Therapy may be conducted with an individual, couple, or family. Often people find the group setting works well for them too. Most sessions are 50 or 110 minutes long. It is essential that the client and therapist be actively involved in psychotherapy. The trust and relationship between the therapist and client is essential to effective psychotherapy.

How long will I be in treatment?
Psychotherapy can be a few sessions, dealing with immediate issues, or longer when dealing with ingrained or complex issues. The client and therapist work together to plan goals of treatment and planning how often and how long to meet.

Is it confidential?
Confidentiality is a foundational requirement of treatment and will be discussed in greater detail on your first session.

Does Psychotherapy Work?
According to the American Psychiatric Association, “Research shows that most people who receive psychotherapy experience symptom relief and are better able to function in their lives. About 75 percent of people who enter psychotherapy show some benefit from it. Psychotherapy has been shown to improve emotions and behaviors and to be linked with positive changes in the brain and body. The benefits also include fewer sick days, less disability, fewer medical problems, and increased work satisfaction. Numerous studies have identified brain changes in people (including depression, panic disorder, PTSD and other conditions) as a result of undergoing psychotherapy. In most cases the brain changes resulting from psychotherapy were similar to changes resulting from medication.”

What do I need to bring with me to my first appointment?
Aside from the intake form provided prior to your first appointment and to help get the most out of psychotherapy, approach the therapy as a collaboration, be open and honest, and follow your agreed upon plan for treatment. Follow through with any assignments between sessions, such as writing in a journal or practicing what you’ve talked about.

Any other questions?
Please contact me directly, I am happy to answer any questions or arrange for an appointment.
512-296-2160