“We have to dare to be ourselves, however frightening or strange that self may prove to be.” -Mary Sarton
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. Though, this is a common question. People who ask for help know when they need it, which is a strength. It can be hard to admit the need for help, and it takes courage to reach out for it. There’s not one person out there who hasn’t needed the help of another at some point in time. We are relational beings as humans, and we used to rely on each other much more than we do in this day and age of independence and technology. I’ll be honored to spend the time it takes with you to help you find your path using your strengths and your own will to live the life you choose.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
Friends and family can be an amazing support, and I’m so grateful you have people in your life you can turn to when you need to talk. Sometimes people need and want an experience with someone who is unbiased regarding the content they want to discuss. Sometimes, there are things a person may not want to delve into from their past when talking with someone they know intimately. 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. The people closest to us want the best for us, but they may also need support in these conversations or interject material of their own to help you make sense of your situation. These are strategies friends and family use to help, and sometimes they are successful, but it may leave you feeling like you haven’t had the space you needed and the advice may be conflicting with what other friends/family give you. Your therapy space is just for you and just about you. It is uninterrupted time to help work through what’s going on in your world and it will help you help yourself. It is also completely confidential, so only you and I know what is discussed in your sessions. Therapy can be a place to work through and leave some of the negative emotions that sometimes arise with the process. Sometimes when we talk to people we know, they end up carrying those emotions, which leaves us feeling a certain way about the relationship. It gets complicated in a way we didn’t intend. This doesn’t occur in therapy because of the safety of the boundaries we agree to when we begin. If you still have questions about this, let me know. This is a very common question for people who are new to therapy!
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
Medication can be very effective in managing symptoms, but medication alone cannot solve the issues causing emotional pain and resulting symptoms. This means that even if medication initially helps a person “feel” better symptomatically, the issues may still arise again and again over time. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with therapy, and sometimes the combination of both is the most effective way to manage the problem. Our work will be designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals and live a life that feels more fulfilling.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, it will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to my client’s specific needs.
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say on a general FAQ’s 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 have dedicated to get the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success. We will work together to create a plan, and we will continue to check back with each other during our work to assess how we are doing.