FAQ'S Why do people seek therapy? People come into therapy for many reasons. Counseling can provide support and skills-building for coping with challenges such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood trauma, bereavement, work conflicts, stress management, loss, drug or alcohol abuse, etc. Therapy is an active, engaging way to identify what’s not working in your life and relationships and to develop the skills needed to have more of what you want and need.
What can I expect and how does it work? During sessions you can expect to talk about your primary concerns and struggles, along with your hopes and goals. Each therapist might work in slightly different ways, but in general they will be working with you to help you gain greater awareness of yourself and others in order to help you realize your goals – often this includes developing or strengthening healthy coping and communication skills. Depending upon your primary concerns, your therapist will work to give you practical skills to apply in order to help you gain greater clarity, heal old wounds, alleviate suffering, feel better about yourself and strengthen your relationships. For therapy to “work,” you must be an active participant, both in and outside of the therapy sessions. Your therapist works to create a safe and candid relationship with you and acts as a trained and empathetic guide, but your motivation and commitment to the process of understanding and growth has a tremendous impact on whether or not you find counseling to be a helpful experience.
What can I expect the first session? You can expect to talk about the concern(s) that brought you into counseling and also about your background and personal history. You can share on a level that feels comfortable for you. You can also expect to have some brief paperwork to fill out.
How long does a counseling session take? Sessions are typically scheduled for 50 minutes and most people see their counselor once a week for consistent progress to be made.