Who do you see in your office?

I see clients of all ages with issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship

difficulties, body image struggles and disordered eating, and academic difficulties.

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Why do people consider therapy?

Most people struggle with emotional difficulties at some point of their lives. Going to 

therapy helps to reduce the length of time that one suffers with these problems. Also, many

people find that as they mature, they identify certain problematic relationship patterns they

may have; psychotherapy can help you find new ways of relating to others and to yourself.

Many decades of scientific research has proven definitively that psychotherapy is effective

in treating emotional difficulties of all types.

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Psychotherapy is not easily described in general statements. It varies depending on the

personalities of the psychotherapist and patient, and the particular problems one is

experiencing. There are many different methods we may use to deal with the problems that

you hope to address. Psychotherapy is not like a medical doctor visit - instead, it calls for a

very active effort on your part. In order for the therapy to be most successful, you will have

to work on things we talk about both during our sessions and outside of sessions.

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Therapy is a partnership between an individual and a professional who is trained to help people understand their feelings and assist them with changing their behavior. People often consider therapy under the following circumstances:

• They feel an overwhelming and prolonged sense of sadness and helplessness in their futures.

• Their emotional difficulties make it hard for them to function day to day.

• Their actions are harmful to themselves or others.

• They are troubled by emotional difficulties facing family members or close friends.

• They just need someone with whom to talk.

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What can I expect at my first visit to Balance. Breathe. Be.?

 

Before the initial session, I'll send you a link to fill out paperwork on the electronic health records (EHR) system I use. The initial session will last approximately 60 minutes. At this first session you will be asked questions to clarify your current situation and past history. We will discuss treatment options and create goals and a plan moving forward.  After this, I encourage you to evaluate what we discussed and consider your own opinions of whether you feel comfortable working with me. Therapy involves a large commitment of time, money, and energy, so you should be very careful about the provider you select. If you have questions about procedures, I strongly encourage you to bring them up whenever they arise. 

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Why can't I just take medication?

Medication can be extremely effective, but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.

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How often will I attend therapy?

Most people attend therapy once per week or once every two weeks. As people begin to feel better and progress is made, sessions may become more spaced out.

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What does research show about the effectiveness of therapy?

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According to a research summary from the Stanford University School of Medicine, therapy effectively decreased peoples’ depression and anxiety related symptoms–such as pain, fatigue, and nausea. Therapy has also been found to increase survival time after heart surgery, for people with cancer, and it can have positive effects on the body’s immune system. Research increasingly supports the idea that emotional and physical health are closely linked and that therapy can improve a person’s overall health status.

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There is convincing evidence that most people who have at least several sessions of therapy are better off than untreated individuals, who are having emotional difficulties.

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If I begin therapy, how should I try to gain the most from it?

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There are many approaches to therapy and various formats in which it may occur–including individual, group, and couples. Despite the variations, all therapy is a two-way process that works especially well when you and your therapist communicate openly.  Research shows that the outcome of therapy is improved when the therapist and the client agree early on about what the major problems are and how therapy can help.

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You and I both have responsibilities in establishing and maintaining a good working relationship. I encourage you to be clear with me about concerns that may arise. Therapy works best when you attend all scheduled sessions and give some forethought as to what you want to discuss during each session.

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Therapy isn’t easy. But individuals willing to work in close partnership with their counselor or psychologist often find relief from their emotional distress and begin to lead more productive and fulfilling lives. 

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How long will therapy take?

The course of treatment will vary depending on a variety of factors, including the nature and severity of the issue that brought you into treatment, the treatment goals that we agree on, and your motivation and commitment to the process of therapy.

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Longer-term psychotherapy is usually the most effective treatment when the reasons for treatment stem from firmly entrenched negative beliefs, deep-rooted relational patterns, or issues such as depression and anxiety. In other instances, such as during a time of acute crisis or to help one navigate through a specific life transition, it is possible to address a client's problems in a briefer time. After an initial assessment period, I should be able to help evaluate an approximate course of treatment.