Why Psychotherapy

What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is not easily described in general statements. It varies depending on the personalities of the psychologist and patient, and the particular issues you wish to address. There are many different approaches I may use in working with you to address your particular concerns and help you achieve your goals. Psychotherapy is not like a medical doctor visit in that it calls for a very active effort on your part. In order for therapy to be most successful, you will be required to work on things we discuss both during and between our sessions.

What are the risks/benefits of psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy can have risks and benefits. Because it often involves discussing unpleasant aspects of your life, you may experience uncomfortable feelings like sadness, guilt, anger, frustration, grief, loneliness, and helplessness. On the other hand, psychotherapy has also been shown to have benefits for people who utilize it. One of the greatest benefits that psychotherapy offers is the opportunity to address issues with a trained professional who, unlike other people in your life, can provide an objective perspective. Psychotherapy often leads to better relationships, solutions to specific problems, and significant reductions in feelings of distress. But there are no guarantees of what you will experience, and no guarantees of any specific results or outcome.

How do I know if psychotherapy is right for me?

Psychotherapy is appropriate for anyone who is experiencing some form of difficulty in some area of his or her life. Whether you are experiencing problems or distress academically, occupationally, financially, personally, interpersonally, legally, or socially, psychotherapy can be an appropriate and effective way of addressing a variety of issues. Most people benefit from psychotherapy if they are willing to be actively engaged in the therapeutic process.

What do I look for in selecting a therapist?

It is difficult to predict which therapist will be best for any particular patient. However, psychotherapy is likely to result in more positive outcomes if the therapist has specific education, training, and experience in working with the specific issues that the patient wishes to address. It is for this reason that I would encourage you to review the information provided on this website and call me with specific questions to determine if I am a good fit for you. If we determine that we are not a good fit for each other, I would be happy to provide you with a referral or other resources available to you.

What does therapy entail?

The initial phase of therapy, which is typically one to three sessions, involves my obtaining a thorough and comprehensive history from you. I will also ask you many questions regarding your reasons for seeking therapy and the goals you wish to accomplish through therapy. Based on the information that you provide, I will provide you with my initial impressions and recommendations regarding your treatment. The frequency of sessions will depend on the particular circumstances in each individual case.

What will be expected of me if I begin therapy?

During the initial evaluation phase of therapy, one of the primary things that will be required of you is patience. The reason for this is that the first few sessions are essentially spent with my asking you numerous questions regarding many aspects of your life and functioning. I do this because the more information I have about you, the better equipped I will be to help you. Once we complete the initial evaluation phase of therapy and decide to work with each other, you will be expected to take an active role in the therapeutic process. This means attending sessions consistently, being open and honest during sessions, and working on issues discussed between sessions. Your consistent attendance and active participation in the therapeutic process will greatly contribute to a successful outcome.

How long will therapy take?

There is no way for me to predict the duration of your therapy, because it is based on many different factors. Some of the factors that can affect the duration of therapy include the nature and severity of the issues you wish to address in therapy, as well as the particular circumstances surrounding therapy. The duration of therapy varies from one patient to another and is very individualized.

Do you offer weekend appointments?

I do not offer any weekend appointments. I do offer some evening appointments, although my evening time slots tend to fill up very quickly due to high demand. In general, my earliest appointment is at 9 AM.