
What is the Initial Consultation/Assessment?
How do I know the therapist is a “good fit”?
During and after the initial appointment, ask yourself:
·Do I feel that I am able to connect to this person?
·Do I feel understood?
·Do I feel safe?
·Does the therapist talk to me in a language that I can understand?
·Is the therapist licensed?
·Does the therapist show an interest in understanding my concerns?
·Do I feel respected?
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 a therapist 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 have faced, there is 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 could use a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you are at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits, support, and gives you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
How can therapy help me?
Several 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 therapists 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.
What are some of the benefits available from therapy?
·Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals, and values
·Developing new skills for handling stress and anxiety
·Modifying unhealthy behavior and long-standing patterns
·Improving ways to manage anger, depression, and moods
·Navigating life’s obstacles more effectively
·Developing skills for improving your relationships
·Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
·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
·Enhancing the overall quality of life
What can I expect in a therapy session?
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. During sessions it is standard to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around 55 minutes and may be extended when needed, when going through a particularly difficult challenge, or more than one session per week. 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. Between sessions, it is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions.
Is medication a substitute for therapy?
In some cases, a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Our Meadows will collaborate with you and your medical doctor to ensure the best possible outcomes. 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. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.
Is therapy confidential?
In general, yes, The law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and therapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client. However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include: ·Suspected child abuse, dependent adult, or elder abuse. The therapist is mandated to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately. ·If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s. The therapist is mandated to notify the police and inform the intended victim. ·If a client intends to harm themself. The therapist will make every effort to enlist the client’s cooperation to ensure their safety, stabilize, and regain emotional regulation.