FAQ

Do I really need therapy?

Great question! You do not need to have a “mental illness” to reap the benefits of therapy. Most people, at some point in their life, would benefit greatly from talking with a therapist. Some questions you might consider:

• Is there something on my mind that I don’t feel safe talking to anyone I know about? Has something happened to me recently or when I was a child that affected the way I function in my day-to-day life?
• Am I having trouble in my personal relationships and I can’t figure out how to solve the problems?
• Do I have difficulty controlling my anger or lust?
• Do I have low self-esteem or am I too critical of myself (or others)?
• Do I take responsibility for other people’s problems?
• Do I feel like a bad parent?
• Do I have a history of alcoholism, substance use or an eating disorder?
• Am I having trouble sleeping due to stress or having reoccurring nightmares?
• Does my family have a history of depression, anxiety, bipolar, or any other mental illness?

If you said “yes” to any of these questions, therapy may be helpful in getting answers that will help you live your best life. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma around mental illness and many people who need help are too ashamed to reach out. Luckily, therapy is confidential and doesn’t need to last for years although it can if that’s what is needed. Even if you can normally handle your problems, therapy can assist by giving you extra tools and give you a better understanding of yourself.

How often do we meet?

I usually meet with clients once per week for 50 minute sessions. There is not a predetermined amount of sessions. The length of therapy is determined for each individual and can be subject to change during the course of treatment. This can be re-evaluated at any time. Some clients benefit significantly from only 3-4 sessions if they are only working on a specific issue while others prefer to make therapy a priority for a few months and up to one year.

Privacy Policy – Confidentially limits

The law protects the patient and therapist relationship. Information cannot be disclosed without written permission.

Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse, vulnerable adult or elder abuse, for which I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
• If you Institute a lawsuit claiming emotional damages, this may open up your records to a subpoena.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in insuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety

Therapy vs Coaching

Therapy is a relationship with a person who either has a Masters or Doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology or Social Work. Therapists are licensed within a specific state and are mandated to have a minimum education, supervision, training, and continuing education. It is within a therapist’s scope of practice to diagnose mental illnesses and bill with insurance.

A coach often completes specialized training and certification, but there is no requirement. Coaching tends to focus on the present and future rather than the past. A coach helps people identify their goals and confront any obstacles they are facing. Most of the time, coaches work with people who are basically healthy and functioning but not reaching their full potential. A therapist will inquire further into a client’s history to address previous trauma and the root cause of problematic behavior.

Therapists and coaches can both help individuals or couples make changes in their lives. Therapists and coaches both guide and support, and look to improve the life of the individual they are working with. If you have a specific mental illness it may be better to seek professional help from a licensed therapist.