Below are frequent questions to help understand family and / or marriage counseling.
What happens in family and / or marriage counseling?
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. You will be asked, at times, to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what is discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions.
How many sessions will there be?
It is common to schedule a series of 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.
Is therapy right for me?
Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. Therapy is right for anyone interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and / or working towards change in their lives.
Do I really need therapy?
You can usually handle your problems. Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you’ve faced, there’s nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it.
How can therapy help me?
Therapists 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 to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem 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.
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.
How much does therapy cost?
Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?
I do not accept insurance at this time.
Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. Information will not be disclosed without prior written permission from the client. However, there are exceptions required by law.
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.