FAQs
Q: What is mental health therapy?
A:Mental health therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is a type of treatment that aims to help individuals deal with emotional, psychological, and behavioral issues. It involves talking to a trained therapist in a safe and confidential environment.
Q: Who can benefit from mental health therapy?
A:Anyone who is struggling with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, or relationship problems can benefit from mental health therapy.
Q: How do I find the right therapist for me?
A:Finding the right therapist is an important part of the therapy process. You can start by asking for recommendations from friends or family members, or by searching online for therapists in your area. You can also check with your insurance company to see if they have a list of covered therapists.
Q: What happens during a therapy session?
A:During a therapy session, you and your therapist will talk about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Your therapist may ask you questions to help you explore your emotions and provide guidance and support.
Q: How long does therapy last?
:The length of therapy depends on the individual and the nature of the issue being addressed. Some people may only need a few sessions, while others may need longer-term therapy.
Q: Is therapy confidential?
A:Yes, therapy is confidential. Your therapist is bound by ethical and legal standards to keep your sessions private and confidential.
Q: What should I do if I feel uncomfortable with my therapist?
A:It's important to feel comfortable with your therapist, so if you feel uncomfortable or have any concerns, it's important to talk to your therapist about it. If the issue cannot be resolved, it may be necessary to find a new therapist.
Q: Does therapy always work?
A:Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it may not work for everyone. However, many people find therapy to be helpful in dealing with mental health issues and improving their overall well-being.
Q: How do I know when I need therapy/counseling?
A: When you are here. When you are thinking about it. When you are searching it out.
Q: What is the difference between Therapist and a Counselor?
A: When trying to find help regarding emotional health, mental health, and behavioral health there are so many choices to choose from. Between counselors, life coaches, psychiatrist, psychologists, psychotherapists, and therapists. How are you suppose to know what you need? We’ll I’m here to help. Let’s break each one down so that you can find the help you need:
Licensed Professional Counselor: Master’s degree in counseling or counseling psychology. Serve a diverse clientele with different mental, emotional and behavioral difficulties. Licensed by the state.
Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate: Master’s degree in counseling or counseling psychology. Licensed by the state. In their first 3000hrs (about 2 years) of counseling.
School Counselor: Master’s degree is school psychology. In Texas requires 2 years teaching experience.
Therapist: Someone (often counselors) that is specialized in a particular kind of therapy.
Psychotherapist: Any therapist who treats mental disorders by using psychological means rather than medical means. (Counselors and Psychologists are often referred to as Psychotherapist)
Life Coach: Someone who encourages clients on matters having to do with personal goals, life coaches are often certified. Life coaches cannot legally preform therapy.
Psychologist: Doctorate degree in psychology. Licensed by the State. Often specialize in assessments, such as an ADHD assessment.
Psychiatrist: Doctorate degree in medicine. Licensed by the State that specializes in the diagnosis of mental illness and can prescribe medication.
Q: What is the process like?
A: 1. First you request an Appointment through the portal, by clicking the “Schedule an Appointment”button and choosing a time and date that works for both of us.
2. I receive your request and approve it within 24hrs (normally faster) and send you all the documents you will need to sign and complete.
-If the appointment is for you I will send you an adult intake form where you can describe in as much or as little as you want as to your reason for seeking counseling (if there’s no reason and you just want someone to talk to-put that).
– If the appointment is for your teen, I will send you two intakes. One for you to fill out ( Minor Intake Form) and one for your teen to fill out ( Adolescent Intake Form).
– If the appointment is for your child age 12 and below I will send one intake form (Minor Intake Form) for you to fill out.
-If your appointment is for couples counseling I will call to collect your partners email and send both of you intake forms (Couples Intake Form).
3. Your Initial Appointment
You will come inside and take a seat in the lobby, until your session. Your session will contain a brief overview of confidentiality and practice policies. The rest is your time to talk and for me to ask questions. I don’t have magical answers but if you want to walk away from your first session with a practical tangible solution to try- communicate that to me. If you want to vent and not be asked 21 questions-communicate that to me. You get where I’m going with this right? Communicate your needs to me and I’m going to do my best to fulfill them, that is my job. You can’t hurt my feelings or make it awkward.. there is no pressure, it is a judgement free zone.
4. At the end of your appointment we will book you follow up session. We will decide together, based on your needs, schedule, and budget, what will work best. Whether that is weekly therapy sessions, biweekly (every other week), or even multiple times a week depending on what you are going through. Monthly appointments are normally for clients who have been working with me for a while and ready to progress to more of a check-in stage.
I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?
Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, I’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. 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. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs.
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success.