Make an Appointment: [email protected] | (571)635-5855

  • FAQs

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    What can I expect in a therapy session?

    The first session is a time of getting to know one another and a time of assessment. The first session is also the time when we both work toward determining if we are a good fit for working with one another or if a referral to a more appropriate therapist is needed.

    Sessions last for 45 minutes, though longer sessions may be requested. Generally, we will meet once a week; however, in times of crises or major life transitions, we may choose to meet more than once a week.

    How long will I have to see you?

    Therapy can be a long or short term process. You have to be willing to explore and to address the causes for what is making you unhappy and willing to implement new replacement thoughts or behaviors. Some find that they are feeling better after just a few sessions while others find they require more sessions to treat more complex difficulties. We will work together to determine how often and how long we need to see one another as we work toward your goals.

    Is therapy confidential?

    In general, the law protects t­­­he confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there are number of exceptions to this rule. Exceptions mandated by law include:

    The court orders me to share information about you.
    You have a medical or psychological emergency and a doctor or hospital needs information to treat you.
    You present a potential danger to yourself and/or others.
    I think there may be child abuse or neglect.
    I suspect abuse or neglect of an elderly person or vulnerable adult.

    Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), and there is a form for you to sign that helps allow for this communication.

    How do I schedule an appointment?

    Call 571-635-5855 or email at [email protected]

    How can therapy help me?

    A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to 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 you in the direction of a solution. 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 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 communications 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? I can usually handle my problems.

    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 that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you’re at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need 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 coming to psychotherapy. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creative blocks. Therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.

    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, your personal history relevant to your issue, and 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, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly).

    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 back 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 lives.

    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 just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. 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.

    Do you have evening appointments?

    Yes, evening appointments are available on a limited basis. Please email for faster response or call for available times.