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FAQ
Below are some common questions for those considering therapy for the first time. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need additional information.
Is therapy private?
While most of what is shared during a therapy session is private and must follow HIPAA rules, there are exceptions. As mandated reporters, therapists are required to report child, elder, and dependent adult abuse. Likewise, if a client reports they plan to do serious bodily harm or kill someone, therapists have “a duty to warn” and must notify the police and/or the targeted individual. Finally, if the client reports the intention of seriously hurting or killing themselves, action must be taken. These actions range from helping the client create a safety plan to involuntary hospitalization.
There are several other situations, which you can read about in my Notice of Privacy Practice.
What’s a therapy session like?
The first session generally involves reviewing the intake paperwork, confidentiality, getting to know each other, and you telling me what you want to accomplish in therapy. Either at that session or the next, we’ll create your goals and a treatment plan, which is basically a roadmap to where you want to be. Subsequent sessions will be based on your goals and will generally involve learning new skills, processing events in your life to make them less painful or anxiety provoking, and assessing progress being made. Obviously, that’s an oversimplification, but you get the gist.
How long will I need to be in therapy?
As you probably guessed, there is no magic number. Some people might only need a few sessions to learn some skills to get through a rough period. Others, who are dealing with a long-standing issue or trauma, might need a year or more. This will be something we discuss on a regular basis in session. Additionally, just like cars need regular maintenance, some clients like to come in for the occasional tune-up once or twice a year after regular therapy has ended.
Suppose I don’t like some of the skills you are teaching?
The beauty of therapy is that you are in charge. I always tell my clients that there are so many different ways to address a problem that there is no reason to waste your time doing something that you find annoying or know isn’t going to be helpful. I will never be offended or have my feelings hurt if you tell me something isn’t your cup of tea.
What can I do to get the most out of therapy?
Great question! Your active participation and honesty are critical to truly benefitting from therapy. As my grad school professors reminded us constantly, we cannot do the work for our clients. Without you being engaged during the sessions and following through with tasks in between sessions, progress will be slow.
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