How can therapy help me?

Therapy can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. 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. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Benefits available from therapy include:

Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
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
Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

Is therapy right for me?

Seeking therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek advice as they pursue personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and life transitions. Therapy is designed to help you get the most out of your life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working toward positive change.

Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome challenges you face.

Is medication a substitute for therapy?

Extensive research has found that many emotional and mental challenges such as depression, bipolar illness, or severe anxiety respond best to a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. If you want to explore whether medication may help you, I can refer you to one of several psychiatrists and other physicians with whom I frequently collaborate.

Is therapy confidential?

Therapy is designed to be a safe place, and the law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist. Information about your therapy cannot be disclosed without written permission. However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. For example, California psychotherapists are required to report cases of suspected child abuse or elder abuse, or when a client poses a threat to herself/himself or others.

If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact me directly.