How can therapy help me?
Several benefits are available from participating in therapy. The therapist can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues, and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. The therapist can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and practice what you learn. Some benefits available from therapy include:
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Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals, and values
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Developing skills for improving your relationships
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Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
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Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
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Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
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Improving communications and listening skills
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Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
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Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
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Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life. While you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you have faced, there is nothing wrong with seeking extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they needed a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you are in life and committing to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides Long-lasting benefit and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if is is right for me?
People have many different motivations for coming to therapy. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.) or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance in managing various other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts, and creative blocks. Therapy can help provide some much-needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their life goals. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes.
What about medication vs. psychotherapy?
It is well established that the long-lasting solution to mental and emotional problems and their pain cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy 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. Working with your medical doctor, you can determine what is best for you, and in some cases, a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action.
Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and a therapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in the session will not be shared with anyone. This is called "Informed Consent." Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your doctor or Attorney). Still, by law, your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
However, there are state laws as well as professional ethics that indicate that a therapist has a duty to report certain situations. Those situations are as follows:
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If there is suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders, therapists will need to report to the authorities, including Child Protection and Law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
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If the therapist has a reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.
Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?
We are considered an out-of-network practice. Your insurance company may allow you to see a therapist that is not on your insurance panel. The first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier and clarify your benefits.
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Some helpful questions may be:
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Will I be covered for services by a therapist who is an out-of-network provider? If so, how much will my insurance company cover per visit?
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Do I have a deductible?
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Do I have a Coinsurance?
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Will my insurance company cover services if my therapist does not diagnose me with a psychiatric disorder? Are all diagnoses covered? It has been our experience that people frequently seek therapy for issues that are not "diagnosable."
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Is there a limit on the number of sessions I can attend or on the length of each session?
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Is pre-authorization required before my initial visit?
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