FAQ's
I’ve gone through therapy before, what will be different with you?
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Honestly, I cannot promise you that things will be different. I will tell you that nothing will change until you are ready to actively make a change. There’s no magic in a therapist or in a therapeutic technique. I believe it is the combination of my skills along with your willingness to make those necessary steps that bring on positive and long lasting changes.
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I was raised to believe that I should keep what happens in my household to myself, so therapy is not necessary?
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I get it, I was raised in a similar household. There’s nothing wrong with this concept if it was actually practiced. However, most of my clients were never allowed to talk it out with the family. In retrospect, it became a secret even within the family. “We are as sick as our secrets.” When we are not provided a healthy outlet to release our concerns, we find other means of releasing, often times the means is harmful towards self and or others.
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I have a good friend who has great listening skills that I process things with, what’s the difference with you?
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I am so thankful that you have a friend that you can be open and honest with. Everyone benefits from someone to bounce things off of. However, if this is a healthy relationship, it will be reciprocal. The difference lies in the professional being objective and the friend being subjective. As a Licensed Professional, no matter how great I may be to my clients, I am of no professional help to my friends if I am practicing therapy with them. All suggestions, especially those not solicited comes off as judgment. I know the ends and out of their situation and therefore my assessment and treatment is skewed. If you are able to accept what your family and friends provide as objective, continue processing with them. However, if there’s any lingering feelings of guilt, shame and judgment, seek out professional help. You can always terminate ties with your therapist. Keep your friends as friends and your therapist as therapist.
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I’ve often heard that only insane or weak people seek professional help, is seeking a therapist a sign that I am insane and weak?
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Insanity, simple defined means negative thought process. This negative thought process always lead to us “doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.” It takes a great man or woman to first “Admit” to self and then to another person that they are not perfect and then we must be willing to ask for HELP. In my opinion, the person who is willing to seek help is one of great courage.
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Is everything discussed Confidential?
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No, everything is not confidential. By law, I cannot enter into a secret agreement when the information is related to doing harm to self, others and property. We can review the Limitation of Confidentiality for further understanding.
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What can I expect at the initial appointment?
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During the initial appointment, we will complete your intake, which will help to identify areas to focus on during treatment. We will discuss limits of confidentiality, Authorization for Release of Information, payments and services. Please bring a photo ID, a form of payment, (cash, money order and checks) to the first appointment.
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I’ve been in therapy before and at the end felt worst then when I started, will this be the same result?
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Change is not easy and it requires courage to change. When we make those changes, those uncomfortable feelings we’ve suppressed begin to emerge. Truthfully, you may feel worst before feeling better. This is more likely related to not being connected to your feelings. I can’t promise you that things will be perfect if you continue to process but I can say you’ll start to connect to your true self and your treatment will be more effective.
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How long will it take before I will no longer need therapy?
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There’s no way to determine how long therapy will last as each circumstances is unique. However, progress will be evaluated by your SMART goals. Most clients are usually able to meet their goals within 10-12 sessions. It is your rights to end therapy at any time. As your therapist it is my job to empower you by helping you to Self-manage, not to become dependent of paid services.
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