WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM MY FIRST VISIT?
At the first visit it is not uncommon to be nervous. After all, this is a new environment, new potential relationship, and a place where you might feel so safe that you will share your vulnerabilities, pains as well as joys. To help the process, it is recommended that you either download the initial paperwork in advance from our website to have ready at the check-in window or come to our office 15 minutes prior to your appointment to complete the forms. Doing either will ensure that you have the full time allotted to you and the provider. Once you complete your paperwork, you can begin your session. Our intake sessions typically entails beginning to obtain your history. The evaluation process may take more than one session. Once the intake procedures are complete, you and the provider will determine if you are the right fit, if working together will potentially lead to symptomatic relief, and if by engaging in the process there is hope for potential gains.
CAN THERAPY BE BENEFICIAL?
Therapy is typically beneficial to most individuals. However, there is no guarantee that it is right for you at this juncture of your life. Research shows that often individuals benefit greatly from therapy with both short-term and long-term gains. In addition to overcoming barriers and obtaining symptomatic relief, many people embrace self-growth and become more insightful about themselves and their relationships. Each therapy session and experience is unique. When specific issues are addressed, therapy can be short-term. Long-term psychotherapy is more typical when individuals are more curious about the root causes of some of their patterns and challenges. For therapy to be most effective regardless of which method is right for you, you will see the most gains if you are an active participant, both during and between the sessions.
DOES GOING TO THERAPY IMPLY THAT I AM CRAZY?
Those who believe that people who seek psychological support are “crazy” or “damaged” are flat-out wrong. Only a very small percentage of individuals who attend psychotherapy sessions meet criteria for a serious mental illness. Individuals who attend therapy have typically functioned quite well but due to circumstances, they are challenged with added stresses that manifest in different ways. Some individuals are curious about their own motivations, and choose to enter psychotherapy for growth-oriented reasons. Interestingly, there are times when individuals who begin therapy from a problem-based reason find that they are eager to learn more about themselves and do more exploratory work following symptomatic relief.
Now partially thanks to TV shows like “The Sopranos” with the mob boss Tony going to psychotherapy, society has embraced the idea of going to therapy either for a problem-based reason and/or to learn what makes you tick and to grow individually. Gradually, the old stigma has been lifted.