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 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.

Going through tough times is a part of life, and it’s okay to ask for assistance when needed. Seeking therapy is a sign of strength, as it shows that you are aware of your situation and want to improve it. By seeking therapy, you are taking charge of your life and making a positive change. Therapy offers long-term benefits and guidance, providing you with the strategies you need to avoid negative triggers, break harmful patterns, and conquer any obstacles that come your way.

The experience of therapy can vary greatly from person to person, as it is tailored to everyone’s specific issues and goals. During therapy sessions, you can expect to delve into current events in your life, review past experiences relevant to your concerns, and reflect on progress made in previous therapy sessions. The length and focus of therapy can range from short-term treatment for a specific problem to long-term therapy for more complex issues or personal growth. Regular therapy sessions are typically scheduled weekly. To get the most out of therapy, it is crucial to be an active participant and engage in the process. The aim of therapy is to help you apply what you learn in therapy to your daily life. Your therapist may also recommend additional activities, such as reading a relevant book, journaling, and taking concrete steps towards your goals, to support your progress. The most successful therapy candidates are those who are willing to make positive changes, open to new perspectives, and take responsibility for their own lives.

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 usually 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”. However, ethically I am bound to (or must) break confidentiality, and take other appropriate actions, as warranted, if:

1. You are a danger to yourself or others and/or threaten to harm yourself or others.
2. If it is Court-subpoenaed (Mandated by Law)
3. You disclose something that your treating therapist is required to report (e.g., child abuse, child sexual assault, and elder abuse).
4. You are over 65 and your treating therapist believes that you are the victim of physical abuse. Also, psychologists may break confidentiality if you are over 65 and the victim of emotional abuse (but they are not required to do so).
5. You have waived your rights to privilege or give consent in writing to limited disclosure by your psychologist.

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

The one-hour slot is reserved for you and therefore it is important that if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please provide me with at least 24 hours-notice. This makes it possible for us to make arrangements for someone else to take advantage of that time slot. To avoid missing an appointment, you can subscribe to text or email reminders. In case of unexpected events such as illness or unavailability, I offer alternative options such as video or phone sessions. However, please be advised that if you cancel your appointment less than 24 hours or do not show upon the scheduled time, you will be charged the full amount of the scheduled session.