People decide to start therapy for a wide variety of reasons. Whatever the reason, though, it usually boils down to wanting better – or at least wanting to feel better.  Therapy can be very effective in helping people accomplish just that.  Therapy can be a place to learn about yourself, to gain perspective, and to learn new ways of thinking about and interacting with the world.  Because of this, therapy isn’t generally thought of as a “risky” kind of thing to do.  Even though it’s much more likely that therapy will be beneficial, it does bring about a certain amount of risk that should be considered – if for no other reason than to understand that it might not be easy. I’ll first outline what a few of those risks are and then close with the benefits (that I think highly outweigh the potential of any risks involved). Read more

Before anybody reading this freaks out, I should start by saying there are a few things that prevent me from sharing any specific details (or identifying information) about the individuals I work with. They’re things like HIPAA, The American Counseling Association’s Code of Ethics, and a set of personal values/beliefs (outside of legal requirements) I hold that allow me to create an environment of trust. The sensitive things people share with me stay within the 4 walls of my office. As I attempt to draw a picture for you about the people I work with, I’ll do so in a very general sense – in a way that allows me to illustrate the kind of common traits I see and the admiration and gratitude I have for the people who allow me the privilege of joining them on a very personal kind of journey. Read more

The “therapeutic relationship” refers to the relationship between counselor and client in therapy.  Therapy is a kind of human interaction and relationship that is different than most.  When we engage in therapy, we are engaging in a kind of contract that outlines the roles of the Therapist vs. Client. What is expected of each is entirely different and without the kind of reciprocal expectations one might find in that of a friendship or relationship with a family member.  The therapist provides the trusted ear, the safe and confidential place for change, and the knowledge/perspective gained from years worth of education and experience.  The Therapist is the provider – the one meeting the needs.  The Client, on the other hand, (aside from the fee) is free from the expectation of meeting the needs of the provider. It’s a relationship that includes a framework, and appropriately so, certain boundaries.  Client and Therapist, for example, keep the relationship in the room where the session takes place.  This means that other than the possibility of an email or a phone call/text to sort out scheduling details, interactions don’t take place outside of therapy.  It’s personal, yes – but also professional. Read more

If you’ve never been to therapy before, there are probably a few things that come to mind when you think about it – and those things probably come to mind as a result of what you’ve been exposed to in the media and in Hollywood depictions.  Perhaps you imagine lying on a couch and being asked to talk about how you feel.  Your therapist nods his or her head, jots down some notes, glances at the time, gives you a prescription for something that will make you feel better, and then schedules your next appointment.  Or maybe you imagine being “psychoanalyzed” or having to dig up old childhood skeletons before being given instructions as to what changes you need to start making in your life. Read more

Issues such as work-related stress, relationship problems, anxiety, depression, conflict with family, and unresolved issues from the past are just a few of the reasons people decide to start therapy.  Therapy involves talking through problems, gaining insight about yourself – and why you do the things you do, exploring effective ways of dealing with problems, and learning new ways to think about the difficulties faced.  Despite the significant amount of relief so many people gain from starting therapy, some people who could benefit, either have a difficult time getting started, or never even consider it as an option. Below is a list of some of the most common reasons why people don’t do therapy. Read more