FAQs
I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?
How can counseling help me?
There are a number of benefits gained from participating in counseling. Counselors can provide support, explore problem-solving skills, enhance coping and self-regulation skills to deal with issues such as anxiety, trauma, depression, addiction, stress, grief, mood swings, and relationship issues. Many believe counselors to be a great resource in managing self-development, family and/or parent concerns, and struggles of daily life. People often walk away from counseling with a broader understanding of themselves, additional skills to manage their emotions and moods, improved communication skills, and improved self-esteem and self-confidence.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
Furthermore, counseling 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.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
It has been well established that medication alone is not a long-term solution to mental and emotional problems. A combination of medication and counseling may be the right course of action. This will need to be discussed with your doctor to determine what is best for you. Counseling will address the core issues surrounding your distress and behavior patterns instead of just treating the symptoms. An integrative approach may provide you with a better sense of well-being and sustainable growth.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
During the first few session, we would be going over your initial paperwork, gaining an understanding of your reasons for coming to counseling, and determine the goals you would like to achieve during our time together. Many sessions may also consist of psycho-education as it is related to your area of concern.
Since each person’s issues and goals will be different, my approach will be tailored to your specific needs. However, you can expect during subsequent sessions a discussion of current events in your life, past experiences which may be contributing to your distress now, and progress you may have made since the previous session occurred.
You may also be asked to read material, practice new developed skills, and/or track certain behaviors, emotions, and body sensations between sessions. These are important aspects of therapy and for therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between sessions.