What to Expect
Many people have walked into my office not knowing how therapy "works" or even what to say. I want to take a moment and walk you through the therapy process.
Your initial visit will involve completing an intake form, a conversation reviewing my duties and responsibilities, a review of confidentiality and anonymity, and learning more about you. For instance, it might be worthwhile to consider the following questions prior to your intake appointment: Why are you seeking therapy now? What problems are you having and are these problems recurring? What goals do you have for therapy?
After a few sessions, you should experience some relief and hope that we are on the right path. Therapy is different for everyone. Some feel 6 sessions are enough, while others continue therapy for a much longer period of time. I have found that if you want symptom-relief only, you can achieve that in fewer sessions; if you want to change patterns of behavior and increase personal awareness, expect to be in therapy for more than a few months.
Your initial visit will involve completing an intake form, a conversation reviewing my duties and responsibilities, a review of confidentiality and anonymity, and learning more about you. For instance, it might be worthwhile to consider the following questions prior to your intake appointment: Why are you seeking therapy now? What problems are you having and are these problems recurring? What goals do you have for therapy?
After a few sessions, you should experience some relief and hope that we are on the right path. Therapy is different for everyone. Some feel 6 sessions are enough, while others continue therapy for a much longer period of time. I have found that if you want symptom-relief only, you can achieve that in fewer sessions; if you want to change patterns of behavior and increase personal awareness, expect to be in therapy for more than a few months.
What Not to Expect
Medication: Clinical Psychologists do not prescribe medication. Psychiatrists and nurse practitioners with prescription privileges can prescribe psychotropic medication. If you think medication is best for you, we can talk about that. If you decide to opt for medication, be sure to ask your provider any and every question you have about the medication. No question is a bad question.
For parents: My role is not to turn your child into a straight A student, class president, or the best __________. We can certainly have conversations about any of your concerns and goals. My role is to assist and support your child in gaining a better understanding of him/herself. This includes helping your child gain insight, improve self-esteem, maintain healthy relationships, express thoughts and feelings in an appropriate manner, and learn effective coping strategies. In many instances, working with your child involves the parent(s) on at least a semi-regular basis. In my experience, parent(s) engaged in the child's therapy results in a better outcome.
For parents: My role is not to turn your child into a straight A student, class president, or the best __________. We can certainly have conversations about any of your concerns and goals. My role is to assist and support your child in gaining a better understanding of him/herself. This includes helping your child gain insight, improve self-esteem, maintain healthy relationships, express thoughts and feelings in an appropriate manner, and learn effective coping strategies. In many instances, working with your child involves the parent(s) on at least a semi-regular basis. In my experience, parent(s) engaged in the child's therapy results in a better outcome.
