Is therapy right for me?

Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why you might come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing issues like anxiety, addiction, depression, anger, trauma or relational strife. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in your life such as a divorce, a loss, a new addition to or launching of a family member, illness or work transition. You might seek the advice of a therapist as you explore your own personal growth or simply need assistance restructuring personal priorities. Working with a therapist can help you get 'unstuck', propel you forward towards insight and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy is right for anyone interested in creating greater self-awareness, working towards incorporating positive change and personal growth.

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

"Psychotherapy is a tool, "not only to cure emotional and psychological illness, but also to develop oneself as a person, with a greater quality of life," says psychologist Modesto Alonso of Argentina where seeking therapy is routine, accepted and respected.  The number of people seeking therapy has doubled in recent years to over 25 million individuals!  While you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, seeking out extra support when you need it takes yet another kind of strength. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be respected. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.  Most importantly, therapy provides hope for a better life.

Why a marriage and family therapist?  What makes this style of therapy different?

There are a myriad of therapeutic models and approaches, each of which has advantages for the individual and the issues being considered.  Efficacy studies show success employing the systemic template in marriage and family therapy because the focus encompasses themes that range beyond the individual, to include the extended family and outlying social and spiritual networks.  Outcome surveys indicate a general comfort, security and confidence when working with marriage and family therapists.

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, body image issues 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 therapist is different - using different approaches and with different personalities.  It's important that you feel compfortable with your therapist - even if not always with your therapy.  In fact, if you are too comfortable in therapy, it's a pretty good sign that you are not being challenged. Remember when as a child you had 'growing pains'...but then you grew!  Discovery and change can be very unsettling and exceedingly uncomfortable.  But they are the precursors to growth.  Each therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. The only constant is my being with you right where you are, helping shine that spotlight into spaces you've either long forgotten or didnt know were there.  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. For therapy to be most beneficial, t is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. Your full participatioin, both during and between the sessions is the pivotal difference between stagnation and progress. 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
• Exploratation, enhancement and mindful utilizatin of personal strengths and skills 
• Real strategies for enacting positive change
• Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance
  

Is medication a substitute for therapy?

In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.

What type of payment do you accept?  

Payment can be made in cash, check or credit card. 

Is therapy confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.  However, there are legal exceptions required of therapists who are mandated reporters under certain circumstances. These will be discussed in session.