Things you've always wanted to know about therapy
...but were afraid to ask!
What can I talk about in therapy?
In short, you can talk about anything and everything! Some people talk about relationships, general stress, family concerns, sex, gender and/or racial identity, work-life balance, past traumas, etc. Some people aren't exactly sure what to talk about but just want to feel better. And sometimes, what you plan to talk about may not be the topic that comes up the most. It's all okay!
In short, you can talk about anything and everything! Some people talk about relationships, general stress, family concerns, sex, gender and/or racial identity, work-life balance, past traumas, etc. Some people aren't exactly sure what to talk about but just want to feel better. And sometimes, what you plan to talk about may not be the topic that comes up the most. It's all okay!
Why should I pay for therapy when I can just talk to a friend?
Great question! Although friends can be helpful to talk to, with friends there is often a back and forth. Therapy will be your time and your time only. And as therapists, we have been professionally trained to notice things that may not stand out to an untrained listener. |
Why should I pay out-of-pocket when I can just use my insurance?
There are many reasons to choose to pay out-of-pocket versus to pay through insurance companies. Most insurance companies have very strict requirements for using your behavioral health benefits. What many people may not know is that all insurance companies require a therapist to give a mental health disorder diagnosis to each and every client using insurance. As therapists, we believe people are more complex than the 4-digit diagnosis code insurance companies require.
Insurance companies also dictate how long sessions can be, how many sessions are allowed, and what strategies therapists should and shouldn't be using, regardless of their effectiveness. In addition, many life insurance companies find and use this information to prevent people from accessing life insurance or to charge much higher rates for people diagnosed with mental health disorders.
The bottom line: By paying out-of-pocket, you will maintain the utmost confidentiality in your therapy and the freedom to access the best possible treatment without needing to be labeled with a mental health disorder.
There are many reasons to choose to pay out-of-pocket versus to pay through insurance companies. Most insurance companies have very strict requirements for using your behavioral health benefits. What many people may not know is that all insurance companies require a therapist to give a mental health disorder diagnosis to each and every client using insurance. As therapists, we believe people are more complex than the 4-digit diagnosis code insurance companies require.
Insurance companies also dictate how long sessions can be, how many sessions are allowed, and what strategies therapists should and shouldn't be using, regardless of their effectiveness. In addition, many life insurance companies find and use this information to prevent people from accessing life insurance or to charge much higher rates for people diagnosed with mental health disorders.
The bottom line: By paying out-of-pocket, you will maintain the utmost confidentiality in your therapy and the freedom to access the best possible treatment without needing to be labeled with a mental health disorder.
I've been in therapy before and it wasn't helpful.
The connection between client and therapist - the "therapeutic alliance" - is a very important one. The fact of the matter is no one therapist can help every client and sometimes the relationship just doesn't click. Clients are not obligated to continue with their therapist - whether with us or someone else - if the connection isn't there. We never take it personally if this happens and will be happy to help you with referrals to other therapists who may be a better fit for you.
The connection between client and therapist - the "therapeutic alliance" - is a very important one. The fact of the matter is no one therapist can help every client and sometimes the relationship just doesn't click. Clients are not obligated to continue with their therapist - whether with us or someone else - if the connection isn't there. We never take it personally if this happens and will be happy to help you with referrals to other therapists who may be a better fit for you.
But why didn't I fix all of my problems last time I was in therapy?
Aside from the relationship with the therapist, therapy itself can be more or less effective depending on where we are in our lives and what issues we feel ready to work on. You may have previously been in a place where learning day-to-day coping skills was most important, rather than delving into the underlying issues, or vice versa. No matter what your experience has been in therapy, we believe a new beginning is the opportunity for greater self-discovery and we welcome the opportunity to work with you. |
Will I cry?
In short, possibly, but it's certainly not required! Therapy often brings up difficult feelings and emotions for people, such as grief, shame, fear, or anger. For many people, crying can be a way to express and process these emotions. It's impossible to say what you may experience, but we welcome all emotions and reactions in therapy. Laughter, especially, can be an important part of the healing process. Luckily, there is no one "right way" to do therapy. Our role as the therapist will be to provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space for you to process whatever emotions arise.
In short, possibly, but it's certainly not required! Therapy often brings up difficult feelings and emotions for people, such as grief, shame, fear, or anger. For many people, crying can be a way to express and process these emotions. It's impossible to say what you may experience, but we welcome all emotions and reactions in therapy. Laughter, especially, can be an important part of the healing process. Luckily, there is no one "right way" to do therapy. Our role as the therapist will be to provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space for you to process whatever emotions arise.
How do I know when I'm done?
People spend varying lengths of time in therapy, depending on the concerns that brought them in. Therapy may end after resolving the initial issue(s) that led a person to seek therapy. Oftentimes, there can be a natural sense of satisfaction or completion indicating it is time to finish. The good news about therapy is that even after feeling finished, a person can always choose whether or not to return in the future to work on additional issues or even if just in need of a "tune-up!"
People spend varying lengths of time in therapy, depending on the concerns that brought them in. Therapy may end after resolving the initial issue(s) that led a person to seek therapy. Oftentimes, there can be a natural sense of satisfaction or completion indicating it is time to finish. The good news about therapy is that even after feeling finished, a person can always choose whether or not to return in the future to work on additional issues or even if just in need of a "tune-up!"