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! People who ask for help are really showing self respect. Knowing when you need help and reaching out takes courage. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, I’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement tools to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing. 

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

Confiding in a family member or friend can be a smart thing to do. The support they give is valuable. Sometimes they have great ideas that make a lot of sense. But sometimes the very closeness of family and friends can make it more difficult for lots of reasons. 

So what’s the difference when you talk to a therapist? 

We don’t have the emotional history you have with family or friends. We start clean. You get to be as honest as you want without worrying you’ll offend me.  And I get to give honest respectful feedback about what I am hearing. 

A trained therapist can help you approach your situation in a new ways – teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, therapy is 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?

Medication, when needed,  can be a positive decision. It is not a panacea though. It can clear the way for therapy to work more effectively.   Oftentimes people are just stuck. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, we develop a plan together that sets out expectations and responsibilities for each of us and that can address the concerns you bring to treatment and reviews progress toward those goals. It’s tailor made for you.

How long will it take?

Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy takes will vary and depend on your goals, on your desire for personal development, your commitment as well as realistic limitations that may effect treatment like finances and other obligations.

I sometimes encourage people to commit to four to six months of treatment, re-evaluate, then decide if and how to proceed.  There is no one right way. to do this.  So together we create a process that works best for you. What is important is that  you feel we are a good match and can regularly assess your progress and my ability to provide you with the resources you need to grow.