What Can I Expect from Therapy?
We go to mechanics, accountants, fitness coaches, dentists. We ask for help from teachers, designers, lawyers, contractors. It makes sense that from time to time we need help making sense of our feelings, given that we have literally thousands a day, and especially when life feels overwhelming or not what we hoped for.
Therapy is a bit like getting a push out of the mud. You are still driving the car, but you have support behind you and someone to help you navigate. Therapy is a process that seeks to bring greater awareness to your struggle and to the places where you do have choices and impact. My role as a therapist is to help you look at emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal patterns no longer working for you and to support your development of new strategies, so you can feel more fulfilled and connected to the world around you.
What makes therapy successful?
Research has shown again and again that one of the most important factors for achieving the outcome you desire in therapy is a positive working relationship between you and your therapist. Therapy is a partnership--a collaborative process to help you make life changes. Just like any other relationship in our lives, we are more apt to try new things or keep at it when we feel safe, heard, and genuinely connected. It is my goal to create a space where you feel understood and respected as a whole person as well as challenged to take new steps.
Other components of successful therapy are your own commitment of time and a willingness to look at life patterns you may want to change. Therapy can be hard work. It can also be (and should be!) incredibly rewarding and life-altering. Making time and mental space in your life to really integrate these changes is vital to therapy’s lasting impact.
How long does therapy last?
There is no specific and concrete answer to this question. In general, short-term work (a few sessions) focuses on basic coping and concrete strategies to change habits. Longer-term work is geared toward helping you gain a better understanding of yourself in the context of who you are, who you've been, and who you want to be. Either way, therapy is not intended to be limitless or without end, and we will regularly talk about the progress you feel you are making.
Everyone is different and works at a different pace. In our first sessions together, I will ask you about your reasons for seeking therapy and what you hope to be different in your life. We will set some basic goals together and discuss ways to move forward. It is my utmost intention for us to work in partnership—to make decisions together and to help you always have a clear vision of our work together.
Therapy is a bit like getting a push out of the mud. You are still driving the car, but you have support behind you and someone to help you navigate. Therapy is a process that seeks to bring greater awareness to your struggle and to the places where you do have choices and impact. My role as a therapist is to help you look at emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal patterns no longer working for you and to support your development of new strategies, so you can feel more fulfilled and connected to the world around you.
What makes therapy successful?
Research has shown again and again that one of the most important factors for achieving the outcome you desire in therapy is a positive working relationship between you and your therapist. Therapy is a partnership--a collaborative process to help you make life changes. Just like any other relationship in our lives, we are more apt to try new things or keep at it when we feel safe, heard, and genuinely connected. It is my goal to create a space where you feel understood and respected as a whole person as well as challenged to take new steps.
Other components of successful therapy are your own commitment of time and a willingness to look at life patterns you may want to change. Therapy can be hard work. It can also be (and should be!) incredibly rewarding and life-altering. Making time and mental space in your life to really integrate these changes is vital to therapy’s lasting impact.
How long does therapy last?
There is no specific and concrete answer to this question. In general, short-term work (a few sessions) focuses on basic coping and concrete strategies to change habits. Longer-term work is geared toward helping you gain a better understanding of yourself in the context of who you are, who you've been, and who you want to be. Either way, therapy is not intended to be limitless or without end, and we will regularly talk about the progress you feel you are making.
Everyone is different and works at a different pace. In our first sessions together, I will ask you about your reasons for seeking therapy and what you hope to be different in your life. We will set some basic goals together and discuss ways to move forward. It is my utmost intention for us to work in partnership—to make decisions together and to help you always have a clear vision of our work together.
