Is therapy right for me?
Seeking out therapy is an individual choice.
There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal
with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or
depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's
life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of counsel
as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a
therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all
types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues
including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management,
body-image issues, and general life transitions. Therapy is right for anyone
who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking
responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change
in their lives.
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.
How can therapy help me?
A number of benefits are available from
participating in psychotherapy. 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
What is therapy like?
Every therapy session is unique and
caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for
therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during
therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions,
where each session lasts one hour. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a
specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing
personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain
actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or
keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what
has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For
therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during
and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take
responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create
greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of
therapy:
- Compassion, respect and understanding
- Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
- Real strategies for enacting positive change
- Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance
Is medication a substitute for therapy?
In some cases a combination
of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your
medical doctor you can determine what's best for you. 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.
Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?
To determine if
you have coverage for a Psychologist, the first thing you should do is check
with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the
answers to the following questions:
- What are my benefits for a Psychologist?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
- How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
- Is approval required from my primary care physician?
Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the
confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist.
No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the
client.
However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.
What is unique about a Psychologist?
Many people claim to
treat Mental Health problems. Not all of them are well trained professionals
in the mental health field. Regardless of who you consult, it is important
to ask if they are regulated - in other words, do they have a license to
practice and are they accountable to a regulatory body.
A Psychologist
is registered in BC with the College of Psychologists of BC, a regulatory
body.
