How do I know if I found the right therapist for my needs?
Finding the right “fit” for you is critical to the outcome of therapy. Research indicates that the greatest predictor of successful outcome and client satisfaction are both linked to the quality of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists may differ in their specialties, years of experience, methodology, style, and personality (including use of humor).
It is important that you feel comfortable with your therapist. Do you feel heard? Understood? Supported? Challenged in a way that is constructive and comfortable? Is the information that the therapist gives you helpful? On a personal level, do you connect with your therapist? If doing family/ couple counseling, is the therapist able to meet the needs of all involved?
We believe strongly in helping you find the right fit and are happy to make referrals if you feel we are not the best fit for your needs.
Our therapists will provide you with a safe, caring, empathetic, non-judgmental, fully-present attentive partner in reaching your goals. We utilize many modalities of treatment and are able to be eclectic in our approaches thus providing you with many more tools than a clinician working only within one theory. We do of course have specialties as well and are happy to elaborate on any questions you may have in regards to the training and experiences of your therapist. Feel free to contact us for a complimentary phone consultation.
Does being in therapy mean that I have to go on medication?
Certain conditions are best treated with a combination of talk therapy and medication. However, entering therapy does not require going on medication. Most clients seen are not on medications, nor do we prescribe medication to our clients at this office. We do work closely with other medical professionals and are happy to make referrals to a psychiatrist if a client wishes to discuss his/her condition to find out if medication would be beneficial. But this is the choice of a client and would never be pushed by our therapists.
How long does therapy lasts?
The recommended length of therapy depends on many things. The duration is affected by the severity of the symptoms, the number of areas affected by the current difficulty/difficulties, underlying preexisting difficulties or conditions, the number of areas in your life you wish to address, the amount of support you currently have in your life, existing personal strengths, and most importantly if you feel that therapy has helped you reach the goals you have set out for at the start of therapy. The therapist will help you define your goals early on and revisit progress throughout treatment. Some clients prefer termination of therapy is preceded with a reduction of sessions per month prior to ending treatment. Other clients prefer a more defined end date, while others enjoy "tune-up" sessions a few times a year. Just know our doors are always open.
Is therapy confidential?
Generally speaking, all communication between a client and his/her therapist is protected by the law and deemed confidential. No information is ever disclosed without prior written consent from the client.
However, there are some exceptions required by law that all therapists are required to comply with, and these exceptions are:
- Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse all require the therapist to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person, the therapist is required to notify the police.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself, the therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate in these efforts to keep him/herself safe, additional measures may need to be taken.
- The Patriot Act in some very rare cases may require the release of your information.
How do I know you are truly qualified to treat me?
It is natural to be nervous about therapy. It is scary to think about opening up to someone in such an intimate manner. These concerns may feel even more anxiety-provoking if you are considering having your child/children be seen. I am happy to discuss and answer any questions you have about my training. If you are still concerned, I am also happy providing you with the names of other professionals that have observed my work and that can vouch for my training, character, and expertise.
I also want to assure you that my credentials and background have been verified by unbiased third parties that list mental health professionals only after a thorough background check and credential check. You can see their verification seals on my website on the "About Me" tab. You can also view my profiles with these third parties directly. Psychology Today, GoodTherapy, and NetworkTherapy have all verified me. You can also check with the Board of Behavioral Sciences and see that I am in excellent standing and have no sanctions or investigations.
Again, I want to be sure that you are completely at ease and feel safe in my professional hands. If you had bad experiences with another provider, I am happy to help you overcome any remaining trauma and help you to rebuild trust.
(NOTE: "Professional Therapy Never Includes Sex").