Frequently Asked Questions
What is therapy?
Therapy offers an opportunity to talk about issues that are important to the client while having a trained, objective person help work through the current situation and in dealing with similar situations in the future. Therapy may focus on a single issue at hand or on several. It's important to remember that therapy is a collaborative process; for change to happen, both the client and the therapist must actively participate.How do I know when to see a therapist?
We all go through ups and downs in life, and it's normal to feel awful one day but gain a new perspective that makes you feel better a few days later. But if your feelings are becoming overwhelming, or you're having trouble functioning in your daily life, it might be time to see a therapist. You will know it's time to see a therapist if you don't feel like yourself, your relationships are suffering, you are changing aspects of your life to accommodate your feelings, your emotions feel out of control, and you are spending time thinking about your feelings and life's challenges.How can therapy help?
There are many benefits of participating in therapy, and some include learning problem-solving skills and coping strategies for a wide range of issues. Since therapists are objective, they can provide a different perspective on a problem you have been struggling with. The effectiveness of therapy depends on your commitment and level of readiness. Some benefits can include improving self-esteem and communication skills, learning new coping skills, a better understanding of yourself, shifting old patterns and developing healthy ones, and managing your emotions such as sadness, anger, grief, or other highly charged emotions you may be feeling.Can I do therapy online?
Yes, counseling is available online. It frequently works just as well as in-person therapy for treating conditions like depression and anxiety.How should I prepare for my first session?
Knowing what to anticipate in your first therapy session can be reassuring, and getting a sense of your therapist's plan can be a great place to start. Other ways to get ready include writing down specific topics and issues you want to discuss, feeling prepared to speak your mind about what's bothering you—your needs, thoughts, and opinions are just as important as your therapist's—and maintaining an open mind about therapy and the possibility that it can help.How do I keep making progress in therapy?
Therapy requires that you invest time, energy, and money, so you want to ensure it's worthwhile. Maintaining the momentum with regular therapy sessions, being honest and open about the problems and obstacles you're facing, and completing any homework your therapist assigns will all help you continue to progress in therapy.