Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?
What about medication vs. psychotherapy?
Do you take insurance, and how does that work?
How can Therapy Help me?
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
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.
Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?
People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creative blocks. Therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.
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.
What about medication vs. psychotherapy?
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. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what’s best for you, and in some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action.
Do you take insurance, and how does that work?
I appreciate your interest in my counseling services, and I want to explain why I have chosen not to be an in-network provider with insurance companies.
Client Centered Care: My primary focus is on providing you with the highest quality of care tailored to your unique needs. By not being constrained by insurance restrictions, I can offer a more flexible and personalized approach to therapy that aligns with your goals and preferences.
Confidentiality and Privacy: Choosing not to bill through insurance allows us to maintain a higher level of confidentiality. Insurance companies typically require detailed information about your diagnosis and treatment, and I believe in safeguarding your privacy as a top priority.
Freedom of Choice: When you select an out-of-network provider, you have the freedom to choose the therapist who best aligns with your values and therapeutic needs. This flexibility ensures that we can collaborate on a treatment plan that suits you without being limited by insurance regulations.
Focus on Quality, Not Quantity: By not relying on insurance reimbursements, I can concentrate on the quality of our therapeutic work together rather than the quantity of our therapeutic work together rather than the quantity of clients seen. This allows us to work at a pace that best serves your growth and well-being.
Transparent Fees: Being transparent about fees allow for a clearer understanding of the investment you’re making in your mental health. We can openly discuss the costs associated with your session, ensuring that there are not surprises.
Empowerment Through Self-Advocacy: While I don’t bill insurance, I am more than willing to provide you with the necessary documentation to file for out-of- network reimbursement. This empowers you to take charge of the reimbursement process and advocate for yourself within your insurance network.
Focusing on Your Journey: My decision not to accept insurance is rooted in a commitment to providing you with the best possible therapeutic experience. I believe in our work together, and I am dedicated to supporting you on your journey toward growth, healing and positive change.