I already have so many appointments, why should I take on one more?
We completely understand that you may be feeling overwhelmed and over scheduled. As counter-intuitive as it may sound, seeing a therapist on a routine basis can help you feel less overwhelmed. We can help you learn ways to decrease your stress, better manage your energy and seek out support so that you have more time for yourself, and the time that you do have will be of a higher quality.
So much of your web site is about medical issues, do you see people who are not sick?
We do have a great deal of expertise working in the medical arena, but also are trained as generalists and have experience with anxiety, relationship issues, work stress, etc. Let’s talk some more to see if we will be a good match.
How can therapy help me?
There are a number of benefits from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhance coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief and stress management. Therapists that specialize in health psychology can also assist individuals in lifestyle changes (e.g. weight management, sleep, adherence to medical regimines), pain, fatigue management, relaxation techniques and general stress management. Many people also find that a therapist can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassels 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
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
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.
What is therapy like?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. 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 seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives and take responsibility for their lives.
How do I get started?
You can use the online scheduler on this website, or call us directly, to schedule an initial appointment. Please feel free to call with any other questions that you may have.