Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy
Why talk to a therapist? I can handle my own problems.
The simple answer is that everyone needs help at one time or another.
Many times we can handle our problems. But life can be difficult, particularly at major transitions like divorce, unemployment, or the loss of a loved one. When those situations arise, it takes courage and insight to ask for help.
Many people find that psychotherapy, like physical therapy, provides necessary support, skill-development, and encouragement after a medical or emotional trauma. Others are looking for help with their relationships, with parenting, or with managing depression, anxiety, addictions, or low self-image.
Therapy is not a temporary fix. By giving people new relationship tools, by teaching them to redirect harmful thoughts or behaviors, it empowers them to face future challenges and avoid lapses or triggers.
What happens in therapy?
It’s normal for people to feel a little uncertain or uneasy about therapy. Even after clients have scheduled an appointment, there is often some apprehension about the first session.
Therapy takes place in an open, comfortable office. You will not be asked to lie on a couch! Instead, you will sit and talk to your therapist and explain your concerns and challenges. He or she will ask questions and the two of you will work together to decide on goals. Sessions are usually around 50 minutes and are typically scheduled weekly, although that will depend on the client and the type and severity of the problem.
As therapy progresses, you can expect your therapist to ask about your situation in more detail and to investigate your personal history. Later sessions will begin with updates on progress and reports on any homework given.
Because the goal is to return you to life, your therapist might ask you to read a pertinent book, have you keep a diary or journal where you might note particular behaviors in yourself or others, or suggest similar specific actions intended to bring the tools presented in therapy into your daily life.
It is important to understand that what you get out of therapy will depend on what you put in. The more you actively engage with the process, the better your results will be.
My problems are very personal. Is what I say in therapy confidential?
Of course. In fact, this is one of the most important aspects of the client/therapist relationship. Successful therapy requires an extraordinarily high degree of trust and discretion, especially with sensitive personal issues. What happens in therapy stays in therapy.
In addition, there are strict laws governing confidentiality, and we encourage you to read our Privacy Policy.
What’s the difference between therapy and medication?
It’s important to note that medication alone is not a long-term solution to most mental and emotional problems. Medication manages symptoms, which is often helpful and necessary, but to achieve lasting improvement, some kind of therapy is typically required. Your doctor and therapist should work together to determine what's best for you. In some cases, that may entail a combination of psychotherapeutic and pharmacological treatments.
How long does therapy last? Does it go on forever?
This is a fair and common question. However, because everyone comes to therapy with different challenges, it’s difficult to give a general answer.
Research shows that the duration of treatment is influenced by a number of factors, but especially by:
the severity of the problem
the type of therapy used
the strength of the relationship between client and therapist
how actively the client engages with the therapeutic techniques provided
Those in crisis or struggling with their reaction to a particular event will often meet with a therapist weekly until the issue has passed or the circumstances are under control. After that, they may meet with their therapist every other week or even once a month until both are confident they have the skills needed to cope.
It’s not uncommon for those in therapy to experience some initial benefits very quickly — in around 4-8 sessions — but a full course of treatment for issues like moderate anxiety or depression generally lasts from 12-20 sessions (or more). More pervasive or chronic patterns of thinking, feeling, or behaving may require longer.
It’s important to understand that the goal of therapy is to get you back into life, and that it is a collaborative process. You should discuss your specific progress and goals with your therapist.
What’s the difference between a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a psychotherapist, and a social worker?
Each of these professionals can provide mental health services, but there are important differences in what they provide.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD) who have received extra training in psychiatry. Psychiatrists can diagnose mental health issues, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, and prescribe any necessary medication. Although a psychiatrist can provide therapy, typically they focus on diagnosis and medication. Psychiatrists will often refer their patients to counselors for therapy.
Psychologists usually hold a PhD in psychology (but at minimum a Master’s degree is required). They can also diagnose mental health issues, but they cannot prescribe medication. Some will do counseling. Many are involved in research and may specialize in one or more specific areas, such as trauma or development.
Social workers come in two varieties: clinical and community. Community social workers are what most people think of when they hear the term. They may work with local family and children’s services institutions providing case support, delivering assessments, developing policy, etc.
Clinical social workers are counselors. They provide therapy to individuals, couples, and families. A practicing clinical social worker will have a Master’s degree (MSW). They must be licensed to practice and cannot prescribe medication.
Psychotherapists are also counselors. They must hold a Master’s degree in psychotherapy and be licensed to practice. Like psychologists and social workers, they must be licensed and cannot prescribe medication.
How does it work with my insurance?
You first need to contact you insurance carrier to make sure you have mental health coverage. Insurance policies can be complicated, with many conditions and restrictions. Be sure to check your coverage carefully and make certain you understand your carrier’s answers. Don’t be afraid to ask specific questions, such as:
What is my co-pay?
Do I need a referral from my primary care physician?
Are there restrictions on which therapists I can see?
How long (for how many sessions) does coverage last?
We can help. We have experience dealing with most major insurance carriers and can assist you in getting the answers you need. We will also file your claim and bill your insurance carrier directly.