FAQs
I’ve never done therapy before, and I’m used to handling things on my own. Shouldn’t I be able to do this without needing help?
It takes a lot of courage to ask for help when we need it. I genuinely believe that all of us have the capacity to heal, so the ultimate goal of the help I offer is that you will feel in charge of yourself and be able to lead your life with calm, confidence, clarity, and compassion.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
In some ways, it can be similar; however, a mental health professional is trained to help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new ways of relating to yourself and others, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself, as well as offer you the most relevant information that is supported by the latest research. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential and allows you to explore your life and the situations you encounter in a safe way. As your therapist, I can offer you compassion, without an agenda. My job is not to offer you advice or my opinions, rather, it is to facilitate the process of you understanding your thoughts, feelings, needs, and values as it pertains to the situations you face in your life and help you determine what would be most helpful for you in your life.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
Medication can be powerfully effective, but it alone cannot solve all issues. Research supports that it works best in conjunction with therapy, where you can build healthy coping skills. I am happy to discuss any questions you might have about medication, and I can help you find referrals to medication providers.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
People have different intentions for a counseling journey, so it can look different depending on the individual. Our first session will be spent really understanding your specific needs and goals for therapy and determining if I am the very best fit for you.
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say, as this can vary based on many different factors. Everyone’s circumstances and goals are unique. It is very important to me that you gain the benefits of counseling, and I can express to you that many of my clients do experience those benefits in big and small ways within the first 6-8 weeks. I regularly check in with my clients to determine what is working and what isn’t. I operate from a place of trusting your instinct.