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 whatever challenges you face.

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What is therapy like?  

Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:

• Compassion, respect and understanding

• Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings

• Real strategies for enacting positive change

• Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance 

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How can therapy help me?  

A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists 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. Some of the 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

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Is medication a substitute for therapy?  

In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by 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
 

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Do you accept insurance?

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I do not take insurance, however I will supply you with an insurance ready statement that you can submit to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement.

Here are the 4 main reasons I do not accept insurance:

1. Lack of confidentiality: Insurance companies require diagnosis information and other treatment information in order to authorize treatment. Once that is provided by a therapist, the therapist can no longer insure that the information will remain confidential.

2. Difficulty getting treatment authorized: Sometimes there is a lengthy process involved in getting authorization for treatment. This can cause your treatment to be inconsistent, broken up, and can cause further delays in getting the help you need.

3. Misdiagnosing or over diagnosing in order to get treatment authorized: most insurance companies will not cover treatment unless it is “medically necessary”. This may mean the client has to “pretend” to have a diagnosis in order to receive benefits.

4. Most insurance companies do not cover marriage or family counseling unless it is part of a treatment plan for a more serious mental disorder.

Is therapy confidential?  

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.

However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.

• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.

• If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.

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I've never talked to anyone.  I'm used to handling things on my own.  Aren't people who go to therapy weak?

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On the contrary. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the ability to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have some strengths that you’ve used before, that for whatever reason isn’t working right now. Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your past strengths. In our work together, we’ll help you identify what those strengths are and how to implement them again in what is happening now.

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What's the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

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The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others knowing your business. Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, if you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

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How long will it take?

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Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular weekly sessions initially, and then space them out as you see progress.

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If I commit to therapy, what can I expect?  How can I get the most out of therapy?

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It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in sessions back into your life. Beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, if you are receptive to homework, we can suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your progress – such as practicing relaxation skills, journaling on a specific topic, reading a pertinent book, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals.

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How is life coaching and therapy different?

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Life coaching take a generalist perspective and focuses more on your day to day functioning, needs and goals.  Therapy will look at patterns of behavior, mood and thought processes, long term goals, relationship issues, and .  At The Sanctuary, all therapists are licensed and hold a masters level of degree and our life coaches come from a wide background of experiences and generally hold a bachelors level degree.  You will find both skilled in their area of expertise and at your initial appointment can discuss which is most appropriate for your success.

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What essential oils are you using at The Sanctuary?

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We use Young Living essential oils in our office.  We find the oils to help with relaxation, exploration of thoughts and ideas and with clarity of mind.  The quality of these oils is unbeatable.  They are the only essential oil company with the seed to seal promise.  If you are interested in purchasing these products please follow the link below.

https://www.youngliving.com/vo/#/signup/new-start?sponsorid=10876469&enrollerid=10876469&isocountrycode=US&culture=en-US&type=member

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