Frequently Asked Questions

 
  • Therapy provides an emotional release, improves your sense of well-being, and helps you to begin taking steps toward living a more rewarding life. If you have tried self-help methods or relied on friends, family, or other resources but still find yourself stuck, it may be time to consider psychotherapy. Starting is easy: simply reach out today to schedule an appointment.

  • No one should feel compelled to make an inflexible commitment. You have the right to stop therapy at any time, however, we would recommend trying a minimum of eight sessions before determining whether therapy is or isn’t working. It takes time for you and your therapist to build a relationship and for your therapist to get to know you. Change does not happen immediately, so it is worth investing the time to determine whether therapy is helping you or not.

  • Your best interests will always remain the priority. Unlike a family member or friend, we will never tell you what you should do and we never assume that what works for one person will work for someone else. We don’t have a stake in your own personal choices. A therapist’s role is similar to a coach, advocate, or mentor. We are invested in your well-being and want to help you live a fulfilling life. Unlike a friend or loved one we are trained to remain impartial. Therapists are trained to keep an eye on the big picture while assisting you work toward your goals.

  • In time, you’ll begin to notice that you’re feeling better: about your relationships, about your work, and most importantly, about yourself. You might observe that your anxiety has lessened, your depression has improved, and your mood has lightened. Maybe you’ll notice that your habits have shifted, and you’ve benefited from increased self-care. In relationships, setting boundaries may become easier, or conversely, you may have an easier time opening up to others.

    Communication between you and your therapist is crucial. It’s important to communicate how therapy is going, what is working well, as well as, what isn’t. We will check in with you periodically to see what’s working for you and what’s not.

  • Absolutely! We may suggest a book, movie, or other resource if we believe it would be beneficial to your growth. We may ask you to think about a particular question or idea, which you can choose to journal about between sessions. Finally, if you learn a new skill in therapy, we will encourage you to practice between sessions. Not everyone appreciates homework and it is never mandatory, however, if you enjoy reflecting or trying new skills between sessions, we’re happy to provide suggestions.

  • Yes! As much as we enjoy working with our clients, no one should feel compelled to stay indefinitely. We take very seriously the issues you want to work on in therapy and you and your therapist should always be on the same page regarding what you want to achieve during your time in treatment. We will say this to any new client: “Eventually, you will outgrow me.” Most people know when they’re ready to end therapy because their lives have improved and the problems that led them to seek treatment have either been resolved or no longer cause distress. The decision ultimately rests with you. If your therapist thinks you’re ready to graduate therapy, we’ll have that discussion long before your last session. For example, we might first transition from meeting weekly to meeting once every other week.

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference. It is widely assumed that severe emotional pain requires a long time to heal. EMDR therapy shows that the mind can in fact heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma.

    EMDR therapy involves attention to three time periods: the past, present, and future. Focus is given to past disturbing memories and related events. Also, it is given to current situations that cause distress, and to developing the skills and attitudes needed for positive future actions. With EMDR therapy, these items are addressed using an eight-phase treatment approach.

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  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness. Numerous research studies suggest that CBT leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life. In many studies, CBT has been demonstrated to be as effective as, or more effective than, other forms of psychological therapy or psychiatric medications.

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  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a therapy program that combines structured psychotherapy with education to help individuals learn skills for handling intense emotions and navigating social relationships. Initially, it was created to help individuals with chronic suicidal tendencies. However, it has proven effective for treating borderline personality disorder, emotion dysregulation, and various other psychiatric conditions. The program involves both group instruction and individual therapy sessions, typically held weekly for a duration of six months to a year.

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  • Motivational Interviewing is a counseling approach designed to assist individuals in overcoming conflicting emotions and uncertainties, ultimately helping them find the internal motivation necessary to make behavioral changes. It is a practical, empathetic, and relatively short-term process that acknowledges the challenges involved in making life changes.

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  • Solution-Focused Therapy, also known as solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), is a therapeutic approach that focuses more on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. While it's necessary to discuss the problem in order to find a solution, solution-focused therapy doesn't get caught up in every detail of the problem you're facing.

    Unlike other therapies that delve into your childhood and how your past has shaped your present, solution-focused brief therapy stays grounded in the present. Its aim is to help you create a future where your current problems have less influence on your life.

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