What to Expect from Psychotherapy
What is Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a process that begins with establishing a relationship between you and a licensed mental health professional. Styles, techniques, and theoretical orientations may vary, however communicating your thoughts, moods & behaviors is central in addressing your concerns and goals. Psychotherapy is not giving advice or directives; I believe that people are capable of solving their own problems in a way that is aligned with how their values, culture, and expectations intersect.
How Do I Know It's Time to See a Therapist?
We all experience stress and challenges in unique ways. You may find yourself leaning more on unhealthy coping skills or experiencing uncomfortable emotions for extended periods of time. Emotions such as anger, worry, and extreme sadness can interfere with daily functioning and add strain to work and personal relationships. You may have a desire to increase self-awareness and productivity. You may be feeling stuck from past trauma experiences that is you from moving forward in the present. You don’t need to wait until you a “ready for change”. A good therapist will help you explore change from inception to realization.
How Will I Know You're The Right Therapist for Me?
Therapists are people, and people are different. As with any investment, do a little research, ask questions, and remember that it’s okay to shop around. During the initial consultation, assess your comfort level, decide if my approach to therapy has the potential to help you, and continue to reflect on your expectations and needs throughout therapy.
What Should I Expect at the First Session?
Whether in-person or virtual, I will be asking you to complete some intake forms, and we will discuss what brings you to therapy at this time - including current symptoms, personal history, and outcomes you would like to achieve. Most importantly, it's your time to share your immediate needs and to ask any questions.
Is it all Talk all the Time?
Depending on your struggles and needs, there are many therapeutic tools that I use to support healing and improved functioning. Talk-therapy is one of those tools. Others may include mindfulness and meditation, cognitive-based exercises, homework, and awareness of the role health and nutrition plays in our mental wellbeing.
How Long Does Therapy Last?
There is no one-size-fits-all model for everyone, but therapy is not intended to last forever. The journey of therapy is one of discovery, healing, and growth. We will continually check-in on where and how you feel you have made progress. When you are satisfied, we will begin the process of ending - including any aftercare supports as needed. If concerns arise that I am not specialized in treating, I will help identify a provider and assist in the referral process.