Review our Frequently Asked Questions list for answers to our most commonly asked questions. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, please contact us so that we can provide you with the information you seek.

• Q: How can therapy help me?

  A: 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 in 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 your values

  • Developing skills for improving your relationships

  • Finding resolutions 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 communication 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

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

  A: 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.

• Q: What is therapy like?

  A: Therapy will be different depending on the individual because each person has different issues and goals. 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.  Either way, 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 - such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals. People who benefit most from psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives, and take responsibility for their lives.

• Q: How often will I need a therapy session?

  A: Therapy is usually weekly or bi-weekly for most clients. Some clients may start out with more frequent sessions, and taper down to less frequent as they progress. We can develop a plan that works best with your schedule and life to ensure that you receive the support that you need.

• Q: Do you accept insurance, and how does that work?

  A: We are currently not in-network with any major insurance providers. We do not process insurance claims or requests for payment. You may wish to contact your insurance carrier for more information regarding your coverage and benefits.

• Q: Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?

  A: Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and a psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but in the therapist's office.   Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in the session will not be shared with anyone.  This is called “Informed Consent”.  Sometimes, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (you’re your Physician, Naturopath, or 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 threatened to harm another person.