FAQs
1. What is therapy, and how can it help me?
Therapy, or counseling, is a collaborative and confidential process that involves working with a trained mental health professional to address emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges. It can help individuals better understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, develop coping skills, and find solutions to the issues they face.
2. I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?
Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. Your therapist will help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.
3. What’s the difference between talking to a therapist or my best friend or family?
The difference is between someone who can do something and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A therapist can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better, you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.
4. What about medication?
Medication can be effective, but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with therapy. Your work with your is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.
5. How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. Your therapist will tailor their therapeutic approach to your specific needs.
6. 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 psychotherapy 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 counseling in the first place.