I’m used to handling my problems on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak? 

Absolutely not. Sometimes asking for help can be the bravest thing we ever do. “I should be able to fix this on my own” seems like a reasonable belief at a glance. But it’s far from being universally true. And when it’s not, it’s exactly that belief that can keep us from ever seeing what we need to finally resolve our problems. is one of the most dangerous beliefs we all hold. In working together, we’ll identify and explore your existing strengths and learn how to use them to address the problems you are facing. 

How is this different from talking to a trusted friend or relative? 

Our friends and family (hopefully) have our best interests in their hearts and may well be an excellent source of support or guidance. However, the nature of our relationships with them can limit their therapeutic potential in several ways. Because we have no established relationship outside of our professional role, we can provide a completely objective, unbiased perspective to your situation. Mental health professionals are trained to guide you toward developing deeper insights, and more effective coping skills. Also, recovery can be a very difficult process that brings many negative emotions into focus. By working with a professional, you won’t run the risk associating these negative feelings with a loved one. 

Couldn’t I just take medication? 

I like to answer this question with an analogy. Odds are, you know someone with diabetes or high blood pressure. There are medications for those that are very effective. Any good doctor prescribing those medications will also advise certain dietary changes. Why? Because while the medications do work, your overall health will improve if you also make some changes to your daily routines. Learn to cut back on sweets or sodium, and the impact on your health will be much more than if you were just taking the medications. This is exactly the same with mental health. There are many very effective medications for depression, anxiety, etc. And the effects these have can be greatly increased by working with a therapist to develop habits and routines that support better mental health. 

How does therapy work? What’s a typical session like? 

Every person is unique. As is every combination of problems, needs, situations, personalities, strengths and weaknesses. Because of this, there is no one simple answer to these questions. In general, I will work with you to identify your specific needs, strengths, and goals, and I will adjust my approach to you. 

How long will I be in therapy? 

This varies greatly from person to person. I utilize a goal-focused approach to treatment, and so the duration of treatment is greatly influenced by the nature of these goals. Very often, once treatment goals have been met, there is no longer any need for ongoing treatment. For some, this can mean only a handful of sessions are needed. For others though, treatment can be ongoing with no clearly defined end point. First and foremost, though, this is your therapy. Your goals are yours to define, and your opinion is the one that matters most in determining progress toward goals.