I'M HERE. WHAT NOW?
You feel that something in your life isn't what you want it to be. Whether it is:
- a traumatic event from your past that still pushes its way into your life,
- a phobia you just can't seem to understand,
- feelings of anxiety in all or certain situations,
- a relationship that you are simply unhappy in,
- an inability of being unable to adjust to new life transition,
- just feeling not like yourself,
- feeling stressed more times than not,
- having a child that you need assistance with,
- experiencing emotions that range from really high to really low,
- having "odd" obsessions that you don't like or don't understand,
- feeling unfulfilled in life,
- experiencing a loss of someone or something that you are having difficulty coping with,
- wanting a better understanding of how to be healthier both physically and emotionally,
- experiencing feelings of being so down and not being able to understand why,
- having "irrational" thoughts or feelings
............. know that there is a way to come out of this.
There are many other issues than the few listed above that can be treated in therapy. If there is something else that you are experiencing that isn't listed, and are unsure that I would be able to help you, please contact me for a free consultation and I would be more than happy to discuss with you to see if this is something that you and I can work on together.
IS THERAPY RIGHT FOR ME?
Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of counsel as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions.
Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.
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. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. 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.
HOW CAN THERAPY HELP ME?
A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Therapists 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. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. 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
WHAT IS THERAPY LIKE?
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around forty five minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors.
It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:
- Compassion, respect, and understanding
- Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
- Real strategies for enacting positive change
- Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance
IS MEDICATION A SUBSTITUTE FOR THERAPY?
In some cases, a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor, you can determine what's best for you. 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 your distress and the behavior patterns that curb your progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.
