Is therapy right for me? 

Everyone needs help now and then. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out.

Of course, seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one’s life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of a counselor as they pursue their own personal growth.

Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, and general life transitions.

Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.

Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems. 

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you’ve faced, there’s nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you’re at in life and making the changes you want by seeking therapy.

Therapy can provide long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

How can therapy help me? 

A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, 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.

Therapists 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 put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values

Developing skills for improving your relationships

Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy

Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety

Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures

Improving communications and listening skills

Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones

Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage

Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

What is therapy like? 

Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session typically lasts between 45 to 60 minutes.

Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions.

For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:

Compassion, respect and understanding

Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings

Real strategies for enacting positive change

Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance

Do I need therapy if I am already taking medication?  

Medication can be effective, but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. Consulting with your medical doctor can help you determine what’s best for you.

Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work? 

To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:

What are my mental health benefits?

What is the coverage amount per therapy session?

How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?

How much does my insurance pay for an in-network or out-of-network provider?

Is there an annual insurance deductible to be met prior to benefits being covered?

Is your MCFS provider listed on your panel of covered providers?

Is approval required from my primary care physician or managed care company?

Is therapy confidential? 

Yes. Communications with our clients are held in the strictest of confidence for your privacy. In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist — with no information disclosed without prior written permission from the client.

However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Please ask if you need information regarding any of these exceptions.

How long will it take?

Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling 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.