FAQ

At your appointment time, I will greet you and I will invite you to share your concerns and your wishes for therapy at this point. I will share my impressions and recommendation and if you feel comfortable regarding moving forward, you will be rescheduled to return so we can begin our work together.

01

How can therapy help me?

A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. 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 for managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on difficult problems 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 your values
Developing skills for improving your relationships
Finding resolutions 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 behavioral patterns and developing new ones
Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

02

Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is typically not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.

Please advised that state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

* Based on information provided by the client or collateral sources, suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults or elders will be reported to the authorities, including Child Protective Services and law enforcement.

* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person, authorities will be called.