FAQs

“Psychotherapy is a general term for treating mental health problems by talking with a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health provider.”

-Mayo Clinic

Mental health- “A state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”

-World Health Organization (WHO)

I view Psychotherapy as an opportunity to explore one’s thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and behaviors and understand how each influences the other; to build insight into how they impact well-being and life satisfaction. Therapy can help us relate differently to our thoughts. Additionally, an attuned therapeutic relationship can offer healing through a felt sense of safety and connection. Therapy is often most effective when both bottom up (somatic body-based) and top down (cognitive) approaches are implemented.

Through awareness, change can begin. We all have the capacity to improve our situations. By learning and applying tools (strategies, skills, habits), individuals may find it easier to overcome challenges, enjoy more meaningful relationships, experience more positive emotions, and become more able to respond, rather than react.

Therapy teaches us that we have choices when we think we do not have any.

Therapy is about self-exploration and personal-development and can be helpful to anyone who chooses to participate. It may be especially beneficial for people experiencing challenges or transitions, low energy, low mood, heightened anxiety, relationship conflict, addiction, trouble at work, home, or school.

It is imperative that you feel safe and accepted in therapy. It is ok to feel challenged on occasion, but you should not feel that your therapist does not hear you or imposes their values on you. Look for authenticity from your therapist and expect to show up fully as well.

Don’t feel bad if you do not feel like the therapist is a good match for you. Therapists should not take it personally when a client chooses not to move forward with services or ends sessions. Therapy is intended to be helpful for you, and research finds that the most critical aspect of effective treatment is the therapeutic relationship. So, listen to yourself and select someone who you feel is a good fit, even if that means trying a couple (or a few) therapists.

Good Therapy does a nice job summarizing what Psychotherapy involves:

Individual Therapy (Psychotherapy)

Below is another excellent article explaining valuable information about what to expect from therapy:

Article Excerpt- “It is a time for you to be vulnerable, be expressive, explore your inner challenges and deal with problems that many of us keep to ourselves. All with a trained professional guiding you through. If you are suffering you need to talk to a qualified mental health professional. It could change your life.” –Dr. Josh Klapow

“8 Things To Know Before Seeing A Therapist For the First Time”