How can therapy help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, and stress management. 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. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
- 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
Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?
People have many different motivations for coming to therapy. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling 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. Deciding to engage in therapy is a personal choice and has a different meaning for each individual.
What can I expect in a typical therapy session?
Each person has unique goals for therapy so individual sessions will be equally unique. Sessions typically involve reviewing events and activities from the previous session, discussing current issues, processing progress and overall well-being, connecting history with current thoughts and behaviors, and goals for future sessions. Goals are determined by the individual with the help of the therapist. "Homework" may periodically be given between sessions. This enables individuals to actively integrate therapy into their daily lives. In this way, therapy may progress more rapidly.
Do you take insurance?
I am an in-network provider with Highmark and Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
I can also provide you a receipt for submission to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement.
Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?
Confidentiality is legally and ethically maintained between client and therapist. You can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared.
Exceptions to confidentiality include:
- Suspected child or elder abuse.
- If the client threatens to harm another.
- If the client threatens to harm himself/herself.
- If the client threatens to harm himself/herself.