What is therapy?

If you are hurting inside, or life outside of you seems chaotic and stressful, talking with friends and family members can sometimes help you feel a little better for a while. But even the most well-meaning friend or family member cannot provide therapy.

Therapy is a treatment process that uses specialized techniques of caring that have been designed to offer effective, long-lasting help for individuals suffering from a wide range of difficulties, such as emotional distress, anxiety, marital difficulties, loss or a clinical disorder. Therapy can also help fulfill yours goals towards self-improvement.

 

What can I expect from therapy?

If you are coming to therapy for the first time, it can seem intimidating talking in the room with a complete stranger. It is understandable that all sorts of worries and concerns may come up for you. This is normal. As far as I am concerned, it is normal to feel uncomfortable at any time.

Your thoughts and feelings are an essential part of the effectiveness of the process. You and I in the first several sessions will work towards understanding your presenting issues and identifying your goals (what you want to happen). As therapy progresses and trust is established, you will use the therapeutic relationship to explore deeply felt sources of conflict and dissatisfaction that will allow you to create positive changes in your life.

 

How long should I expect to be in therapy?

The length of treatment varies based on a number of factors.  Therapy is a process and should be viewed as a means of achieving your goals.  As therapy progresses, your progress will be discussed collaboratively.

 

Is medication a substitute for therapy?

Medication may assist in the alleviation of symptoms or make symptoms become more manageable.  For some individuals, it may be a necessary adjunct for severe symptomology and to help improve functioning.

I strongly believe the most effective approach (should you choose to take medication) is to also engage in a process of therapy to get to the underlying reasons for the symptoms and develop the skills needed to manage your symptoms without the assistance of medication over the long term.