Frequently Asked Questions
Will therapy help me?
A number of benefits are possible from participating in therapy. The therapeutic relationship can be a tremendous asset, providing support and a safe place to process thoughts and feelings. Some of the benefits you may experience are improved self-awareness, enhanced coping and problem solving skills, improved emotion regulation, and developing communication and relationship skills. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how you use the process and put into practice what you learn.
What can I expect in a therapy session?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist, usually beginning with weekly.
Is therapy confidential?
Confidentiality is one of the most important components of the therapeutic relationship. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. You can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. However, if you wish to share information with someone (physician, attorney, family member), a signed release of information must be obtained. There are also limits to confidentiality. State law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
- Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders
- If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person