Research has repeatedly shown that everyone can benefit from therapy, regardless of the state of your mental health condition.   A trained clinical therapist can help you navigate effectively through issues and find solutions to problems that are keeping you "stuck".

Read below a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
 

How can therapy help me?

 
Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution.

We can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life.
Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

  

• Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values

• Developing skills for improving your relationships

• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy

• Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety

• Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures

• Improving communications and listening skills

• Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones

• Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage

• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

Do I really need therapy?  I can usually handle my problems.  

  

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face. 

Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?
 

Everyone can benefit from working with a mental health professional.  
Sometimes we are going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), and are finding hard to handle these stressful circumstances well.  It is also very common to deal with low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creative blocks.   Sometimes we may also be at a point where we are ready to learn more about ourselves or want to be more effective with achieving our goals in life.  

 

  

What is therapy like?
 

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual.  In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session.  Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development.   It is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly).

 

It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process.  The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life.  Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process.

 

 

What about medication vs. psychotherapy?  

 

It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you, and in some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. 

 

​

Do you take insurance, and how does that work?

 

We do not take insurance.   Some insurance agencies are able to provide reimbursements and we are happy to provide you with the necessary forms and documentation for you to file your own claim.

 

Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?

 

Yes, Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and therapist..

Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone.  This is called “Informed Consent”.  Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (for example, your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.

 

However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

 

* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.

* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threated to harm another person.