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 ability to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have some strengths that you’ve used before, that for whatever reason isn’t working right now. Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your past strengths. In our work together, I’ll help you identify what those strengths are and how to implement them again in what is happening now.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
A mental health professional 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 confidential so you won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” The exceptions to confidentiality are
* if there is any suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders
or
* if a client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
Medication alone cannot solve all issues. What medication does is treat the symptoms. Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals.
Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy. It is not suggested unless you are interested in it or I feel it may be of use to you.
I can not prescribe medication. If it is of interest or benefit to you, we will discuss it and a referral to a psychiatrist can be made.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
The first two sessions are considered intake and consultation. In these 2 sessions, you will be signing forms, discussing what brought you to therapy and answering questions about your life events to the degree that you feel ready to share. These 2 sessions give you a chance to see if the therapist is a fit for you and also gives the therapist a chance to see if she is the best fit to be able to help you with your therapy journey.
After that, you will talk about what feelings, thoughts, behaviors you are aware of an experiencing presently that are of concern to you. We will work together to identify the purpose of these feelings, thoughts and behaviors and what fears may be behind them. From there, we can help bring relief, healing and change to your whole self utilizing Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS). People describe that they generally feel calmer and more confident and clearer in their communications with others and their own intentions from this work.
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 therapy 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 therapy in the first place.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication is crucial to your success. After all, we only see each other for a session a week. It’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development.