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

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. We invite you to take the “Do I need therapy? Quiz” Under the “Getting Started” tab.

People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts, and creative blocks. Therapy can help provide some much-needed encouragement

and help with skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session. 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 sessions with your therapist (usually weekly).

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 session back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process – such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors, or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives, and take responsibility for their lives.

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. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what’s best for you, and in some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action.

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and a psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist’s office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, or Attorney), but by law, your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission. However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources. * If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.

Play therapy is a unique approach to therapy as it meets the developmental needs of children. Children have very unique developmental stages and for most children, their main form of communication, stress relief, and personal growth comes from play. Children do not have the verbal capabilities of adults and have difficulty understanding abstract concepts like emotions and feelings. Play therapy meets children where they are and utilizes toys, arts and crafts, games, and movement, instead of words, to help children grow, learn, manage anxiety, gain self-confidence, and encourage pro-social behaviors. You can find many resources for play therapy on the Association for Play Therapy’s website, www.a4pt.com. Play therapy is not always incorporated into therapy, it is utilized when it is the most beneficial to the client/family. Play is a term that we use to encourage your own self-expression, your creativity, and your being accepted where you are.

NO! Pop culture has made therapy, especially in movies and TV into something that is not. Therapy is about you and your needs, not the therapist’s agenda. Therapy is always confidential and safe. You should never be forced or coerced into a technique, treatment, or exercise that you do not feel comfortable with. We help you go deeper into the issues and assist in your understanding of your role in your life.

A holistic approach treats the whole person, addressing the root cause rather than just symptoms. Research shows that integrating body-based practices like breathwork and mindfulness improves mental health outcomes.

Studies show that somatic practices help regulate the nervous system, reducing symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and depression.

Brainspotting is a powerful trauma-processing tool that accesses stored emotional pain in the brain and body, promoting healing at a deep level.

No, it’s optional. We honor your comfort level and customize therapy accordingly.

Absolutely not! Jesus called us to rest and be at peace. These practices are evidence-based and biologically designed to regulate the nervous system, allowing us to live in the peace, joy, and freedom that God has called us to.