What issues do people bring to counseling/therapy ? An outdated belief is that counseling or therapy is for "crazy" people. The reality is that many people seek help for problems of daily living such as difficulty with grief and loss, managing transitions and adapting to change, navigating challenging relationships, exploring meaning, purpose and direction in life, giving up ways of thinking and behaviors that no longer serve them, coping with stress personally and professionally, and so on. Struggles with depression, anxiety, and handling difficult emotions are also common issues that people bring to counseling.
What benefits might I experience? Often the benefits of counseling outweigh the risks. Many people experience awareness, clarity, and understanding of themselves, others in their lives, and the problems that brought them to counseling. Feeling heard and respected, having a place to tell your story and receive non judgmental responses. Making sense of life experiences and understanding how past experiences have shaped the present. Finding constructive routes to solving problems. Managing difficult feelings. Gaining self respect and self compassion. Practicing skill sets related to assertiveness, anger, communication, conflict resolution. Cultivating healthy relationships. Healing from shame, depression, and anxiety.
Are there risks to counseling/therapy? Change always carries risk. You may come to realize that certain ways you conduct your life no longer work for you. Looking at issues in your life can evoke feelings such as sadness, regret, anger, and disappointment. Pacing is an important task-meaning the therapist works with you at a pace that is challenging enough but not overwhelming.
How long will it take? Length of time in counseling depends on what your goals are, how motivated you are to explore issues and make changes. Also important is your willingness to practice new skills in 'real life'.
What happens in a therapy session? Initially, I like to get a "lay of the land"-what's going on in major areas of your life, what works and doesn't, what you'd like to be different, what you've tried before, and what style works best for you in counseling. As we examine together, I help you clarify issues and find solutions. I teach you more effective skills that you practice in session and at home. I don't make decisions for you, or tell you what to do, but help you to find answers that best fit you. We clean out the cobwebs that obstruct your "gut" or inner wisdom. If you're inclined to using add-ons to traditional talk therapy, we may use guided imagery, mindfulness practice, doodling, movement, or expressive arts.
What will be required of me as a client? Honesty with yourself, openness, a willingness to face difficult questions and issues, a commitment to your personal growth process, and consistency in attending sessions.
What if I have relationship struggles and don't know if I want to stay in the relationship? You don't have to know for sure if you want your relationship to continue to begin couples (or individual) counseling. Initially sessions can assist you in weighing your options and examining the relationship to see where its strengths and weaknesses reside. An important focal point is where you contribute to the problematic issues in the relationship.
If I'm having relationship problems, should I bring my spouse/partner? It's often beneficial to have your partner participate in therapy. In cases where your partner isn't willing/able to attend, we focus on how changing your perspectives and reactions can create a shift in 'the dance' between the two of you, and how you experience the relationship.
How can I pay for therapy? Cash and checks are accepted for payment.