WHY DO PEOPLE SEEK THERAPY?

 

Life often presents us with challenging, painful situations or a sudden awareness of repetitive, self-harming patterns that resist our best intentions and efforts to change. Or perhaps we find ourselves feeling trapped in painful relationships in which arguments get stuck in endless counter-attacks with no solutions in sight. In such circumstances, individual, couple, or family therapy can help you to better:

• Understand and explore ways your past experiences may be controlling your present and future.

• Build greater awareness of your own and loved ones’ feelings, emotions, and needs.

• Decrease or replace unhealthy behaviors, thoughts, and/or limiting beliefs with life enriching ones.

As you see, people come into therapy for many reasons and none are insignificant – ranging from a need to respond more effectively, to processing unexpected changes in life, to a searching quest for self-discovery and personal growth. When coping skills are overwhelmed by guilt, doubt, anxiety, or despair, therapy helps. Therapy provides support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping for issues such as depression, anxiety, lack of confidence, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, bereavement, spiritual conflicts, stress management, body image issues, and creative blocks.

People seeking psychotherapy find the courage to take responsibility for their lives, work towards self-change and create greater happiness.

 

 

WHAT SIGNS INDICATE THERAPY MAY BE NECESSARY?

 

Therapy or Counseling can be of great benefit if you experience one or more of the following:

• Depressed mood, loss of interest in life, or difficulty facing a new day

• Constant tension, anxiety, runaway thinking, negative thoughts, or panic

• Angry outbursts, followed by shameful feelings and remorse

• Binge eating and other eating disorders

• Addictions to substances, spending, sex, love, or relationships

• Re-experiencing of traumatic events from the past

• Extreme mood changes that interrupt normal functioning

• Low self-esteem that is not lifted by life success and good relationships

• Failed attempts to leave or resolve toxic relationships

• Difficulty coping due to loss of a loved one, betrayal, divorce, or life transitions

• Unresolved family of origin issues or trauma that impact life in the present

With a comfortable and supportive atmosphere, clients achieve the personal growth they’re striving for.

 

 

 

WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN A THERAPY SESSION?

 

During sessions you have an opportunity to express your primary concerns and issues in life. A session lasts 1 hour but some people request longer sessions. Weekly sessions are usually best. Clients in crisis or extreme distress may need more than 1 session per week, at least until the crisis passes. Between sessions, it is beneficial for clients to think about and process what was discussed. At times, you may be asked to take certain actions, such as completing readings or written assignments or maintaining a journal. Though not a requirement, therapy “works” to the extent clients are active participants, both in and outside of the therapy sessions.

 

 

 

WHAT BENEFITS CAN I EXPECT FROM THERAPY?  

 

A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Therapy can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. Many people find therapy to be a tremendous asset for managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, and the hassles of daily life.

The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and apply what you learn in your daily relationships and routine. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

• Attaining a better understanding of yourself and your personal goals and values

• Developing skills for improving your relationships

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

• Breaking free of addiction patterns, compulsions, and unwanted habits

• Finding new ways to cope with stress and anxiety

• Managing anger, depression, and other emotional pressures

• Improving communications skills – learn how to listen to others, and have others listen to you

• Getting “unstuck” from unhealthy patterns – breaking old behaviors and developing new ones

• Discovering new ways to solve problems

• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

 

 

 

WHAT IF I DON’T KNOW WHAT MY GOALS ARE FOR THERAPY?

 

If you aren’t sure what your goals are for therapy, one of your first tasks in therapy may be to clarify your vision and goals in life. It may take several sessions before a direction is clarified, and your goals may change during the course of therapy. However, establishing a direction for therapy and your life helps you to get the most out of the experience.

 

 

 

IS THERAPY CONFIDENTIAL?

 

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there are a number of exceptions to this rule. Exceptions include, but are not limited to:

• If a client discloses information regarding suspected child abuse, or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.

• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person(s). The therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim.

• If a client states intent to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, further measures may be taken without their permission in order to ensure their safety.