FAQs

I’VE NEVER TALKED TO ANYONE. I’M USED TO HANDLING THINGS ON MY OWN. AREN’T PEOPLE WHO GO TO THERAPY WEAK?

Hell no. Going to therapy is inherently vulnerable. However, Brene Brown writes, “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage." Here is the deal…we were never meant to do this thing called life alone. We all need help now and then. In our work together, we will help you explore and identify your strengths and learn how to harness them. Through this bravery, you will begin to absolutely reduce the grip your problems have over you. 

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TALKING TO YOU OR MY BEST FRIEND OR FAMILY?

A major difference is the lack of unsolicited advice you will get from our therapists. How many times have you been discussing a problem with someone, and they share some bland version of, “Well have you tried just getting out of bed…” or my personal favorite, “Maybe just stop feeling upset.” While we will absolutely give you clear and direct feedback in our work together, rest assured that we will first off make sure you are open to receiving suggestions, and secondly that we have the training and experience to do what we do professionally, for a living. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, genuinely listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” You also don’t have to take your therapist home with you. Sometimes we hold back with friends or family because of how they might perceive us afterwards.

WHY SHOULDN’T I JUST TAKE MEDICATION?

Medication can be effective but it alone is not a cure all. Medication will not make the root of our issues go away. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.

HOW DOES IT WORK? WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO IN SESSIONS?

You don’t have to do anything. Therapy is wonderful because it is so unique to you. No one who walks through our office door is the same. It is one of the reasons we love this job so much. Our therapy will be specifically tailored to you as an individual, not only in relationship to what you want to accomplish, but also with careful attention to how you best learn and what motivates you. As we first get to know one another, we will create a treatment plan that fits you and what you are wanting to change in your life.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

The short answer is it depends. While we will be the first to acknowledge that “it depends” is very much a classic therapist's response, it is also quite true in this case. Everyone who braves the space to do therapy with us is different. Their combination of struggles, stage of life, identities, and circumstances are unique to them alone. Thus, the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends in some part on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place. What we can promise is that we are not in this work just to get a paycheck. We are not just going to let you talk week after week. If you choose to work with us, we will actually work and get things done. We will check-in regularly on how you feel our work is going and the progress you are making. If you are feeling stalled or stuck in our work, these are challenges we can, and will, address head on without shame or guilt. 

I WANT TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THERAPY. WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?

Multiple things: 

-We have found the more someone is willing to get uncomfortable in therapy, the quicker changes often occur. Simply put, you are your best asset in therapy, and the more you put into the experience, the more you will often get out of it. 

-As our therapeutic relationship develops and you begin to trust the process more, we encourage you to take risks, to articulate the things that are hard to voice, to feel the emotions we so often run away from or numb. Together, we will work through whatever happens with you.

-Be patient. Change is not a light switch we flick on and off. Trust the process.