Frequently Asked Questions About THerAPY

 

Do I need THERAPY?

Throughout life there are often times when we may need help addressing problems and issues that cause us emotional distress or make us feel overwhelmed. When you are experiencing these types of difficulties, you may benefit from the assistance of an experienced, trained professional. Licensed therapists offer the caring, expert assistance that we need during these stressful times. I can help you identify your problems and assist you in finding the best ways to cope with the situation by changing behaviors that contribute to the problem or by finding constructive ways to deal with a situation that is beyond your personal control. Some of the many situations that cause people to seek therapy include but are not limited to:

  • Anxiety, depression, and other mental and emotional disorders
  • Family and relationship issues
  • High conflict romantic relationships
  • Breakups or divorce
  • Substance abuse and other addictions
  • Sexual abuse and domestic violence
  • Eating disorders
  • Career change and job stress
  • Social and emotional difficulties related to disability and illness
  • Adapting to life transitions
  • The death of a loved one

How Does THErApy Help?

Therapy provides people with an opportunity to discuss what is happening in their lives in order to:

  • Broaden perspectives
  • Consider alternatives
  • Seek solutions

Therapy can help people to:

  • Increase coping strategies
  • Increase communication and negotiation skills
  • Increase self-esteem
  • Increase awareness of strengths
  • Increase satisfaction in their relationships
  • Process difficult situations like grief and loss or the experience of a traumatic event

Do I have to be married or come with my family to see an MFT?

Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) primary emphasis in on building and sustaining relationships. The title "marriage and family" can be misleading because we are not only trained in how to work with married couples and families. Our training extends to working with individuals, couples and/or families (married or not). However, the main goal is to strengthen relationships, whether the client is seen individually, as a couple, family, or group.

What Can I Talk about?

ANYTHING and everything!  A few of the things individuals, couples and families have discussed in therapy with me include:

  • Depression and/or Anxiety
  • Self Esteem
  • Relationship problems
  • Separation/Divorce
  • Infidelity
  • Non-monogamy and Open Relationships
  • Sexuality issues (sexual problems, enhancing sexual pleasure, sexual health)
  • Coming out and other LGBTQ life issues
  • Gender identity
  • Childhood Physical, Emotional, Sexual Abuse and Neglect
  • Addictions/Compulsions (alcohol, drugs, pornography, gambling, etc.)
  • Bereavement
  • Loss from suicide
  • Parent/child conflict
  • Surviving and thriving after a traumatic event
  • Issues unique to military families (Re-entering family, Anxiety or PTSD , Re-entering civilian workforce, etc.)
  • Domestic Violence/Spousal Assault/Emotional Abuse
  • Work-related stress
  • Life transitions
  • Stress Management
  • Assertiveness and interpersonal effectiveness 
  • Emotion regulation

Will Therapy work for me?

Research shows that that therapy works for most clients.  Many report relief from depression, anxiety, relationship problems, and other concerns or just generally feeling better.  The experience is different for all people but often individuals will report feeling worse before they feel better.  Don’t give up!  Most importantly, let me know how you are feeling, ask questions along the way and express your needs when they arise. 

Should my therapist be of the same cultural or ethnic background as me?

Research shows that meeting with a therapist of the same or similar ethnic background tends to create greater initial comfort and increases the likelihood someone will seek help for the first time.  However, it also shows there is no difference in successful therapeutic outcomes or client satisfaction over time.  The research consistently shows that the therapeutic relationship between the client and therapist is the most important factor in treatment.  In other words, it's best if you to feel comfortable telling your story, feel understood, and feel safe to discuss the times when your therapist "doesn't get it."

I tried therapy before and it didn't work, why should I try it again?

Sometimes the chemistry between the therapist and client or the therapeutic approach just isn't a good fit. It’s okay to shop around to find the right fit for you. 

Timing is also essential in effective therapy.  Therapy works best when you are open and willing to participate in your own healing.  It’s a safe space to be bold and try new things. 

How long are therapy sessions?

Sessions are typically between 45 minutes and 50 minutes, but may be shorter or longer depending upon the treatment approach.