Therapy, Should I Go?

Why should I go to therapy?
People who are contemplating receiving psychotherapy experience some ambivalence about beginning the process. Seeking out therapy is a private and individual choice. There are a range of reasons why people go to therapy, including dealing with chronic psychological issues, challenges with anxiety or depression, relationship conflict, coping with unexpected changes, transitions and trauma.

Working with a therapist can help ignite personal exploration, self-awareness, insight, support, and can assist in developing adaptive strategies and skills for coping with various life challenges. Psychotherapy provides an empathic and non-judgmental environment in which one may come to know and understand themselves better.

Is therapy right for me?
Therapy is right for anyone who is open and willing to improve their overall quality of life by enhancing their personal development and overall relationships. Therapy allows individuals to be empowered in order to take control of their lives, effectively cope with challenges, and make positive changes. Therapy requires courage, motivation, and a commitment to self-reflection and development of insight. This process may at times be emotionally challenging, however ultimately the goal of therapy is to develop effective coping skills, make healthy choices, achieve personal growth and well-being, reach individual goals and develop satisfying relationships.


What to expect from your first therapy session:
During your initial therapy session the therapist will review the policies of treatment, including confidentiality, limits of confidentiality, HIPPA guidelines, etc. and will obtain your signature on the necessary forms.

The therapist conducts an intake interview and gathers information regarding your presenting problem, symptoms, psychosocial history, treatment history, etc. and develops a comprehensive understanding of your treatment needs.

You will then be provided with an opportunity to discuss why you decided to begin receiving therapy, what your symptoms are, how they are impacting your life, your relationships and your overall functioning. The therapist then collaborates with you in establishing therapeutic goals and a treatment plan. Every therapy session is tailored to meet the unique needs of the specific individual.

We provide a safe, nurturing and supportive environment for development of a positive therapeutic relationship in order to facilitate self-expression and growth. During the therapeutic process we assist the client in developing personal insight and self- awareness in order to reduce their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

Typically, sessions are 50 minutes and are scheduled on a weekly basis, however if an individual is in a crisis or is struggling with difficult challenges, they may request more time per session or more than one session per week. Psychotherapy can be short-term or long-term depending on the nature and intensity of the issue | symptoms. In order for therapy to be most effective, each individual participating in the treatment has to actively participate, both during and between sessions.

What is expected of the client?
The client is expected to be committed to allow them self to be vulnerable and open-minded in order to improve overall functioning and attain ones goals. It is important to be honest and authentic with oneself. A significant aspect of treatment is being patient with the therapeutic process, while maintaining a willingness to be open in order to engage in this journey of self-discovery, growth and change. It is important for clients to be actively involved and self-reflective during sessions and in-between sessions in order for therapy to be successful. The time in between sessions is an opportunity to reflect and process what was discussed during the session and to integrate and implement their insight into their everyday life and relationships.

How many sessions does therapy require?
The number of therapy sessions varies for each client depending upon their reasons for seeking therapy, their individual needs and their presenting problem. Some problems and challenges can be resolved within a few sessions whereas others can take longer.

How long are therapy sessions?
Sessions are scheduled on a weekly basis and are 50 minutes in length. Consistency in treatment is very important in allowing the client to make progress towards achieving their goals and enhancing their growth. The frequency of therapy sessions may vary based on the individual clients specific needs. When a client is in a crisis or in extreme distress, the length of sessions and frequency are increased in order to provide the client with adequate support.

Do you accept insurance?
The client may request a monthly billing statement and often clients submit their claims to their insurance companies independently – obtaining full or partial reimbursement. We accept Medicare and can bill them directly for sessions. Our practice does not accept any other insurance and is fee-for-service (the client is responsible for paying for each individual session). Accepted forms of payment include cash and check.