Question 1

What is therapy like?

Accepted Answer

Therapy is a personalized journey that varies for each individual, couple, or family based on their unique needs and goals. Generally, sessions discuss current life events, explore relevant personal history, and track progress from previous sessions.
Your therapist will create a supportive environment where you can gain insights and develop new perspectives. Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes and are usually scheduled weekly or bi-weekly. Therapy may be short-term to address a specific issue or longer-term to work through more complex patterns.
Active participation is key for the best results. Your therapist might suggest complementary activities between sessions, such as journaling, reading relevant materials, or practicing new behaviors, to help you integrate what you learn into your daily life.

Question 2

Do I need therapy?

Accepted Answer

Life challenges are universal, and seeking support shows self-awareness, not weakness. While you may have successfully navigated previous difficulties alone, there's no shame in reaching out when facing particularly challenging situations.
Therapy provides valuable tools for managing triggers, changing unhelpful patterns, and overcoming obstacles. It can help you develop long-lasting coping strategies and deeper self-understanding that benefit many areas of your life.

Question 3

Is it normal to be nervous or to hold back in therapy?

Accepted Answer

It's normal to feel hesitant about complete honesty in therapy, especially initially. Many clients withhold certain information or tell small "white lies" out of fear of judgment. However, as the therapeutic relationship develops and trust grows, most clients become more open and honest.
As therapists, we understand this hesitation and don't judge our clients for being human. The most meaningful growth occurs when you can be genuinely authentic in sessions, but building that level of trust and comfort typically takes time.

Question 4

Will what we discuss in therapy remain confidential?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of effective therapy. Your personal information and session discussions are private and will not be shared without your written consent.

There are specific legal and ethical exceptions to confidentiality that therapists must follow:

• If there is suspected abuse or neglect of a child, vulnerable adult, or elder
 • If you express serious intent to harm yourself or someone else
 • If required by court order

Beyond these specific circumstances, your information remains protected. If you'd like your therapist to communicate with other professionals involved in your care (such as your physician or psychiatrist), you'll need to provide written authorization first.

Question 5

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you. If you need to cancel or reschedule a session, please provide at least 48 hours’ notice. Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice—or missed appointments without prior notice—will be charged the full session fee.

Please understand that insurance companies do not reimburse for missed sessions, so this fee is your responsibility. If you arrive late to your session, we will end at the scheduled time, which may reduce session time.

Life happens, and I understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise. Please reach out as early as possible so we can work together to reschedule.

Question 6

What types of concerns do people bring to therapy?

Accepted Answer

People seek therapy for a wide range of reasons, and there is no one “right” issue that qualifies someone for support. Therapy is not just for moments of crisis—it’s also a space to explore, grow, and heal.

Some of the most common reasons clients begin therapy include:
 • Anxiety and chronic worry – feeling on edge, struggling with overthinking, panic attacks, or an inability to relax
 • Depression or persistent sadness – loss of motivation, low energy, difficulty finding joy, or feeling stuck in negative thought patterns
 • Relationship issues – navigating conflict, communication breakdowns, trust issues, or transitions like separation or divorce
 • Grief and loss – coping with the death of a loved one, miscarriage, or the loss of a job, relationship, or sense of identity
 • Trauma and PTSD – processing past abuse, accidents, or distressing experiences that continue to affect daily life
 • Life transitions – adjusting to new roles such as parenthood, retirement, career changes, relocation, or starting college
 • Stress and burnout – feeling overwhelmed by work, caregiving, or life responsibilities, often accompanied by fatigue and disconnection
 • Low self-esteem or self-worth – struggling with self-criticism, perfectionism, or feeling “not good enough”
 • Identity exploration – questioning values, purpose, sexuality, spirituality, or other aspects of personal identity
 • Personal growth – wanting to gain deeper self-awareness, build resilience, improve emotional regulation, or live more intentionally

Therapy is a confidential, nonjudgmental space where you can unpack your experiences, better understand your emotions, and develop practical tools to live a more balanced and fulfilling life. Whether you're facing a specific challenge or seeking clarity in your personal journey, therapy can meet you where you are.

Question 7

What can I expect in my first therapy session?

Accepted Answer

Your first session is a comprehensive 90-minute appointment that allows us to explore your needs and begin building our therapeutic relationship thoroughly. This extended initial session gives us valuable time to establish trust and determine the most effective path forward.

During this first meeting, your therapist will:

• Welcome you and create a comfortable, non-judgmental space
 • Explain practice policies, confidentiality limits, and answer any questions
 • Gather detailed information about your current situation and primary concerns
 • Explore relevant personal and family history that may provide context
 • Discuss your specific goals and what you hope to achieve through therapy
 • Begin collaboratively developing a personalized treatment approach
 • Share initial thoughts and recommendations based on your unique circumstances
 • 
This session also allows you to evaluate whether you feel comfortable with the therapist's style and approach. The quality of the therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of successful outcomes in therapy, so it is important to work with someone you can connect with and trust.

Question 8

Is therapy right for me, and how can it help?

Accepted Answer

People seek therapy for diverse reasons and at different points in their lives. You might consider therapy if:

• You're experiencing emotional distress that interferes with daily functioning
 • You find yourself repeating unhelpful patterns in relationships or behaviors
 • You're navigating a significant life transition (divorce, career change, new parenthood, bereavement)
 • You're struggling with specific challenges like depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, or relationship difficulties
 • You want to understand yourself better and develop more effective coping skills
 • You're ready to make meaningful changes, but aren't sure where to begin

Therapy offers numerous evidence-based benefits that can transform your quality of life:

• Developing deeper self-understanding and clarity about your values, goals, and beliefs
 • Building stronger, healthier relationships through improved communication
 • Finding a resolution to the specific concerns that brought you to therapy
 • Learning effective strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges
 • Replacing unhelpful behavior patterns with healthier alternatives
 • Enhancing problem-solving abilities for family or relationship difficulties
 • Strengthening self-esteem and confidence in your decisions

The benefits you receive depend mainly on your engagement in the therapeutic process and willingness to apply new insights to your daily life. If you're unsure if therapy is right for you, a brief initial consultation can help determine if our practice is a good fit for your current needs.

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