What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a process for treating varying levels of emotional distress (anxiety, sadness, grief, etc.) and disruptive/ineffective behavioral patterns through verbal and nonverbal communication between a client and a trained psychotherapist. Psychotherapy may include many different methods of treatment; however, most importantly, it requires active effort on your part as the client. This involves working with your therapist to identify the problems, develop goals, and take action. Psychotherapy cannot give you the answers to the problems you are facing, but it can help you find your own answers. Clients normally experience a range of reactions following sessions throughout the therapeutic process. Since therapy often involves discussing unpleasant aspects of your life, you may experience uncomfortable feelings like sadness, guilt, anger, and frustration during or after sessions. On the other hand, you may also feel a sense of relief, support, empowerment, or accomplishment after a session. As long as you engage in the process, psychotherapy can lead to better relationships, solutions to specific problems, and significant reductions in feelings of distress.
Why might I be feeling nervous or weird about trying psychotherapy?
Going to therapy does not mean you are "crazy" or that you can't handle your own problems. You may not be sure what you are feeling and why. Or you may feel as though "it isn't a big enough problem for therapy." At Balanced Life Counseling, we believe that psychotherapy can be helpful to anyone at different points throughout their life. Beginning psychotherapy is a courageous step to take on your journey to a more satisfying and balanced life.
How long and how many times a week is a typical session?
Sessions are 55 minutes in length. Most clients are seen at least once a week in the beginning and then, as time goes on, less frequently. The number of sessions depends on what your current needs are. It is important that the you feel comfortable with your therapist, which may take a few sessions to determine.
How long will I be in psychotherapy?
The length of time you are in therapy depends on the nature of the problem and the goals that you and your therapist identify in the first few sessions. Some clients have a very specific problem that can be worked through in a set course of sessions. For others, therapy may be treating a more complex set of problems or an in-depth issue and may require a longer commitment on the client's part to achieve results. And others find that counseling is an ongoing learning process that helps them maintain a better sense of self-awareness and support to help them achieve their life goals.
How can psychotherapy help me?
Psychotherapy can provide you with an empathic ear, a more objective perspective, a safe place to explore emotionally painful topics, and guidance on helping you help yourself. It can help increase your confidence in your own strengths and help you develop tools to deal with problems more effectively. It may help you overcome obstacles that are preventing you from having more satisfying relationships, fulfill personal goals, or reach your potential in work or school environments.
How could couples therapy help my relationship?
Couples therapy focuses on increasing communication skills, learning to resolve conflict respectfully, and addressing unhealthy or ineffective relational patterns. Your therapist will act as a neutral party to aid in increasing understanding, safety, and intimacy in the relationship. Your therapist can help each of you gain insight into how your behavior influences your partner and the relationship as a whole.
What if I want couples therapy, but my partner won't come?
Unfortunately, sometimes one partner is not as willing as the other to come in for therapy. However, it is possible to improve the relationship by addressing even one partner's emotional reactions and behavior.
Do you prescribe medication?
No. At Balanced Life Counseling, we do not prescribe medication. Typically, clients see a psychiatrist or physician in network with their health insurance or we can refer you to someone if you feel medication is needed.
Psychotherapy is a process for treating varying levels of emotional distress (anxiety, sadness, grief, etc.) and disruptive/ineffective behavioral patterns through verbal and nonverbal communication between a client and a trained psychotherapist. Psychotherapy may include many different methods of treatment; however, most importantly, it requires active effort on your part as the client. This involves working with your therapist to identify the problems, develop goals, and take action. Psychotherapy cannot give you the answers to the problems you are facing, but it can help you find your own answers. Clients normally experience a range of reactions following sessions throughout the therapeutic process. Since therapy often involves discussing unpleasant aspects of your life, you may experience uncomfortable feelings like sadness, guilt, anger, and frustration during or after sessions. On the other hand, you may also feel a sense of relief, support, empowerment, or accomplishment after a session. As long as you engage in the process, psychotherapy can lead to better relationships, solutions to specific problems, and significant reductions in feelings of distress.
Why might I be feeling nervous or weird about trying psychotherapy?
Going to therapy does not mean you are "crazy" or that you can't handle your own problems. You may not be sure what you are feeling and why. Or you may feel as though "it isn't a big enough problem for therapy." At Balanced Life Counseling, we believe that psychotherapy can be helpful to anyone at different points throughout their life. Beginning psychotherapy is a courageous step to take on your journey to a more satisfying and balanced life.
How long and how many times a week is a typical session?
Sessions are 55 minutes in length. Most clients are seen at least once a week in the beginning and then, as time goes on, less frequently. The number of sessions depends on what your current needs are. It is important that the you feel comfortable with your therapist, which may take a few sessions to determine.
How long will I be in psychotherapy?
The length of time you are in therapy depends on the nature of the problem and the goals that you and your therapist identify in the first few sessions. Some clients have a very specific problem that can be worked through in a set course of sessions. For others, therapy may be treating a more complex set of problems or an in-depth issue and may require a longer commitment on the client's part to achieve results. And others find that counseling is an ongoing learning process that helps them maintain a better sense of self-awareness and support to help them achieve their life goals.
How can psychotherapy help me?
Psychotherapy can provide you with an empathic ear, a more objective perspective, a safe place to explore emotionally painful topics, and guidance on helping you help yourself. It can help increase your confidence in your own strengths and help you develop tools to deal with problems more effectively. It may help you overcome obstacles that are preventing you from having more satisfying relationships, fulfill personal goals, or reach your potential in work or school environments.
How could couples therapy help my relationship?
Couples therapy focuses on increasing communication skills, learning to resolve conflict respectfully, and addressing unhealthy or ineffective relational patterns. Your therapist will act as a neutral party to aid in increasing understanding, safety, and intimacy in the relationship. Your therapist can help each of you gain insight into how your behavior influences your partner and the relationship as a whole.
What if I want couples therapy, but my partner won't come?
Unfortunately, sometimes one partner is not as willing as the other to come in for therapy. However, it is possible to improve the relationship by addressing even one partner's emotional reactions and behavior.
Do you prescribe medication?
No. At Balanced Life Counseling, we do not prescribe medication. Typically, clients see a psychiatrist or physician in network with their health insurance or we can refer you to someone if you feel medication is needed.