FAQs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Wondering what counseling is all about? Nervous about starting therapy?
We're happy to explain some details that may better inform your decision to begin!


HOW CAN THERAPY HELP ME?

A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, & enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues, & creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, & 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 & put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

  • Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals, & 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 & anxiety
  • Managing anger, grief, depression, & other emotional pressures
  • Improving communication & listening skills
  • Changing old behavior patterns & developing new ones
  • Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
  • Improving your self-esteem & boosting self-confidence

DO I REALLY NEED THERAPY? I USUALLY HANDLE MY PROBLEMS.

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, & 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 & making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits &  support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, & overcome whatever challenges you face.

WHY DO PEOPLE GO TO THERAPY & 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 struggling to handle 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 & ready to make changes in their lives.

WHAT IS THERAPY LIKE?

Because each person has different issues & 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, & 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, & take responsibility for their lives.  


WHAT ABOUT MEDICATION VS. PSYCHOTHERAPY?

It is well established that the long-term solution to mental & emotional problems & the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress & the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth & 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, & in some cases a combination of medication & therapy is the right course of action.


DO YOU TAKE INSURANCE, & HOW DOES THAT WORK?

To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is call them. Check your coverage carefully & make sure you understand their answers.  Some helpful questions you can ask them:

  • What are my mental health benefits?
  • What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
  • How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
  • How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
  • Is approval required from my primary care physician?

WILL WHAT WE TALK ABOUT IN THERAPY REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL?

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client & psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office.  Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, & you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (you’re your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.

However, state law & professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

  • If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming themself or has threatened to harm another person.
  • Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, & elders to the authorities, including Child Protection & law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.

*** Full details concerning confidentiality & privacy including HIPAA policy can be found under Client Forms ***


COMPLAINTS OR CONCERNS ABOUT CONFIDENTIALITY?

Violations of the Marriage & Family Therapists Act may be reported to the Board of Examiners of Marriage & Family Therapists
1100 West 49th Street, Austin, TX, 77856-3183; 1-800-942-5540

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