Frequently Asked Questions:
What Can I Expect At Our First Meeting?
Our first meeting will usually consist of a few things:
1) Completion of some brief paperwork and an overview of office policies with of course the opportunity to ask any questions.
2) The opportunity to talk about the issues that prompted you to seek out therapy services and any goals you may have for therapy. I will also ask you some questions about your background, family history and some other personal details that will aid in my ability to begin to form an understanding of your concerns and you as a person.
3) Again, a time for questions and a discussion about what our next steps may be in our work together or a referral to another clinician if appropriate.
Is Therapy For "Crazy" People?
Therapy can be for anyone. Therapy is a place to address your own personal needs and difficulties in a safe and affirming space. Whether it is problematic behaviors or ways of thought, specific symptoms related to mental illness, or more general life stressors that can impact us all, therapy is a place for healing and understanding. Inaccurate or misinformed portrayals of mental illness and mental health treatment saturate pop culture and the media, often resulting in labeling people as “crazy” and perpetuating the stigma associated with mental illness. Through a conversation with a mental health professional or someone you may already know that has sought out this type of treatment, you should get a better understanding of what therapy really is and how it can benefit most people.
Is What I Say In Therapy Confidential?
Yes - with a few exceptions. Anything you discuss in therapy will not be disclosed to anyone unless you give me written permission to do so. Peers, family members, even other doctors do not have access to any information unless you request and give written consent for me to share information with them. There are some exceptions: 1) If you are at imminent risk of hurting or killing yourself or someone else. 2) If you are involved with a child or elderly person that is being abused or neglected. 3) If you are involved in the court system and a judge issues a court order for records or communication with me, I am required by law to abide by this. Finally, if using insurance benefits your insurance company may request clinical information from me in order to authorize treatment. I will thus gain your permission first in order to communicate with them.
Therapy can be for anyone. Therapy is a place to address your own personal needs and difficulties in a safe and affirming space. Whether it is problematic behaviors or ways of thought, specific symptoms related to mental illness, or more general life stressors that can impact us all, therapy is a place for healing and understanding. Inaccurate or misinformed portrayals of mental illness and mental health treatment saturate pop culture and the media, often resulting in labeling people as “crazy” and perpetuating the stigma associated with mental illness. Through a conversation with a mental health professional or someone you may already know that has sought out this type of treatment, you should get a better understanding of what therapy really is and how it can benefit most people.
Is What I Say In Therapy Confidential?
Yes - with a few exceptions. Anything you discuss in therapy will not be disclosed to anyone unless you give me written permission to do so. Peers, family members, even other doctors do not have access to any information unless you request and give written consent for me to share information with them. There are some exceptions: 1) If you are at imminent risk of hurting or killing yourself or someone else. 2) If you are involved with a child or elderly person that is being abused or neglected. 3) If you are involved in the court system and a judge issues a court order for records or communication with me, I am required by law to abide by this. Finally, if using insurance benefits your insurance company may request clinical information from me in order to authorize treatment. I will thus gain your permission first in order to communicate with them.
How Long Will It Take To Feel Better?
It depends. Each person comes to therapy with their own unique concerns and life experiences. Some people may only need a few sessions, while others spend months or sometimes years working through and exploring different things. It will be important to have an ongoing conversation during our work together about your progress.
It depends. Each person comes to therapy with their own unique concerns and life experiences. Some people may only need a few sessions, while others spend months or sometimes years working through and exploring different things. It will be important to have an ongoing conversation during our work together about your progress.