I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak/ill/crazy?
Everyone needs help now and then. It can feel scary to ask for help, especially from someone you’ve never met. It takes courage to reach out, and the effort is well worth it. In our work together, I’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the challenges you are facing, but my first step is to collaborate with you to make your unique therapy experience safe and good fit for your needs.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
A psychologist has had extensive education and training in mental health to help you approach your situation in a way other relationships can’t– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, psychotherapy is confidential, making it a safer space to explore places you may fear to go, even with loved ones. I often have clients who feel isolated because they do not want to worry or burden the people they care about.
Am I a bad parent if my child is struggling?
Children and teens are unique individuals as much as adults are, but are in a different developmental space. Often children do not have the words or awareness to put their feelings and behaviors together, or, even in the case of teens, feelings can be so big they are overwhelming, embarrassing, and hard to figure out. Sometimes this takes the situation out of the realm of day-to-day parenting and points to a need for some outside help. While I do often make suggestions to parents to strengthen the work outside of therapy, a parent who brings their child in for help is clearly prioritizing their child’s health.
How long will it take?
Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time psychotherapy can take depends on your specific goals, your life circumstances, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place. Whether you have one pressing issue you want to focus on, you have a situational life challenge you are facing, or you are looking to break a longstanding pattern of difficult feelings and/or behavior, I will work with you to customize your therapy to your needs, goals, strengths, and resources.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to make sure that happens?
Active participation, courageous honesty, and dedication to your own health will be crucial to your success.
