How can therapy help me? 

A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, low self esteem and other life challenges.Therapy can provide encouragement, support and insight for difficult seasons of life. The benefits of therapy depend on how actively individuals participate in the process and put into practice what's been discovered. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

• Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your hopes and dreams

• Discovering your own potential and strengths for managing your life

• Developing communication skills for improving or enhancing relationships

• Finding resolution to issues or concerns that have been distressful  

• Learning new ways to cope with life's challenges

• Managingdepression, anxiety, anger and other emotional pressures

• Discovering new ways to solve problems in a variety of settings

What is therapy like? 

Every therapy session is unique and caters to individual's or family's specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly or bi-weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading materials, trying out new ideas or experimenting with various strategies discussed in therapy. It is important to process what has been discussed during sessions and integrate new ideas into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective, you will be asked to serve as an active participant, both during and between the sessions. Here are some things you can expect from me as your therapist:

• Compassion, respect and understanding

• New perspectives on beliefs, thoughts, feelings and behaviors

• Strategies for enacting positive change and coping with life's challenges

• Support and encouragement to carry out the work you've accomplished during therapy

Is medication a substitute for therapy? 

In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you. 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.
 

Is therapy confidential? 

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.

However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.

• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.

• If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.