Calimesa Counseling Center

How can therapy help me?

 

A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide additional support, helpful problem-solving skills, and a variety of coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, unresolved childhood issues, grief and stress.  Many people also find that therapists 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:

 

Do I really need therapy? 

  

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you have experienced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out additional support when you need it. Therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. Therapy can provide long-lasting benefits by giving you the tools needed to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face. 

 

Why do people go to therapy and is it right for me?

 

People are motivated to attend therapy for many different reasons.  Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.) while others may not be handling stressful circumstances well.  Some may need additional assistance towards managing  other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems and/or spiritual conflicts. Therapy can help provide encouragement and skills to get them through these periods of time.  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.   People seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and make changes.

 

What does therapy look like?

 

Each person has different issues and goals for therapy resulting in therapy looking different depending on the individual.  You can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to these events, 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 in order to deal with more difficult patterns and gain personal growth. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular weekly sessions with your therapist (.

 

It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process.  The primary purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back and utilize it within your daily life.  Your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process - such as reading an informative 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 has been shown that a long-term solution to mental and emotional problems cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that stunt our progress. You can best achieve personal growth and a greater sense of well-being with a more integrative approach.  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. 

 

 

Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?

 

Confidentiality is one of the most important components within therapy. Successful therapy requires a high level of trust with topics that usually are not discussed anywhere but within the therapist's office.   You will be provided with a written confidential disclosure agreement and you can expect that information discuss in session will not be shared with anyone.  If you would like your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney) or family member a signed release of information with obe obtained prior. 

 

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

 

* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.

* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threated to harm another person.