I don’t tend to talk about my problems, and am used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?
It takes courage and wisdom to know when it may be helpful to seek out a professional. Even if you feel you are able to get by on your own, engaging in therapy can help make things feel easier and help you to manage better.
What’s the difference between talking to a therapist, instead of talking with a friend or with my family?
Aside from the professional guidance and suggestions your therapist can provide, they can also offer a more neutral and objective perspective, because they don’t have a personal history with you. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. In addition, because therapy is confidential, you won’t have to worry about others knowing details about your private life.
What will we be doing during the therapy sessions?
I tailor each person’s therapy sessions to their unique needs, so what we may do in the sessions can vary a great deal, depending on your personal style and the types of issues you are dealing with. I view therapy as a partnership, and will speak with you about how we can best work together on the changes that are important to you. I take a very active role in sessions, and will work with you to develop the best plan to address the difficulties you are experiencing, and help guide you through the steps that will be most helpful in improving things in life.
I don’t want to rely on medication. Will I need to take medication in addition to going to therapy?
Considering medication is a very personal choice, and just because you decide to attend therapy does not mean you necessarily need to or should take medication. That being said, medication can at times provide helpful relief, especially if you’re having significant symptoms or problems functioning. By reducing symptoms and relieving distress, medication may make it easier for you to make the changes you are working on in therapy. It may feel helpful to know that many medications prescribed for mental health are not addictive, and do not lead to dependency. As a psychologist, I don’t prescribe medication myself, but can either work with your primary care provider or help you find a specialist if you decide to consider medication.
Why not just take medication? Is therapy really necessary?
Medication can be very helpful for decreasing symptoms, which can then make it easier to make helpful changes through therapy. Therapy can add significantly to the benefits of medication by helping you find better ways to cope with challenges, and change negative patterns in your thinking, relationships, and behavior. Research shows that combining therapy with medication can be an especially helpful approach for many people.