HOW CAN THERAPY HELP ME?

Many people find that counselors can be a tremendous asset in managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point out previously unrecognized strengths. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

• Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values

• Developing skills for improving your relationships

• Finding a resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy

• Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety

• Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures

• Improving communication and listening skills

• Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones

• Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage

• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
  

DO I REALLY NEED THERAPY?

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it.

In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand and enough courage to receive it- that is something to be admired. A therapist provides professional, confidential, and objective support by guiding and enhancing your commitment to change.

Therapy provides long-lasting benefits, giving you the tools to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

WHY DO PEOPLE GO TO THERAPY, AND HOW DO I KNOW IF IT IS RIGHT FOR ME?

People have many different motivations for seeking psychotherapy. Some may be going through a major life transition, such as unemployment, divorce, or a new job, or may not be handling stressful circumstances in the way they’d like.

Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues, such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, or spiritual conflicts. Therapy can help provide some much-needed encouragement and skills to get them through these periods without over-taxing current relationships and resources of support.

Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective in achieving their goals in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to create their best future in response to life challenges.

WHAT IS THERAPY LIKE?

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life and your personal history relevant to your issue, as well as report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session.

Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term for a specific issue, long-term for dealing with habitual, ingrained, or traumatic patterns, or as desired according to your personal development goals. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist.

It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session into your life.

Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process – such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors, or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives, and take responsibility for their own change process.

WHAT ABOUT MEDICATION VS. PSYCHOTHERAPY?

It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of distress and the behavior patterns that curb progress.

An integrative approach to wellness is the best way to achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being. Working with your medical doctor, you can determine what's best for you, and in some cases, a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action.