Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
This is a question we get A LOT. And if you’re here and reading this, you must have a great deal of courage while expecting there might be something going on.
Typically, we ask people if the problems they are experiencing are impacting their daily life. For example, we all feel anxious sometimes. Anxiety is actually a survival mechanism we all have - you know the part of our brain that we want to tell us to either run or freeze when we see a bear in the woods so we can survive? But just because we all have felt anxiety, doesn’t necessarily mean we need therapy.
However, when that anxiety is causing you to miss work, school, or activities that’s when it’s interfering with daily life. The only person that truly knows if this is a step you want to take, is you! Also, remember, this isn’t a lifelong commitment. If you come in and think this isn’t right for you- it’s all good. So, the answer to your question, it is it completely up to you!
In our office you can show up exactly as you are: heartbroken, confused, numb, enraged, excited, grieving, anxious, lonely, depressed, hopeful…no matter what you are experiencing, it’s important for me to create a safe, comfortable and accepting space for you to feel it fully-- without judgement. Our work together will be full of empathy, trust and compassion. There will be times we talk and probably times of silence-and that’s okay. We’ll laugh, cry, feel uncomfortable at times and we’ll own it. We’ll honor you for where you’re at and also gently encourage you to get out of your comfort zone (when you are ready). Through it all, we will encourage you, support you, and cheer you on to get exactly where you are trying to go.
When we first begin therapy, we typically recommend therapy once per week, in most cases. Occasionally, people will choose to come in twice per week, often times due to heightened circumstances. The beauty in this though, is this is your journey. We will make recommendations, but ultimately, you are the decider as to what works for your life. Time and finances are also pieces that go into this decision for yourself. Many times, people will go down to once every 2-3 weeks once they feel they have made significant changes and don’t feel weekly appointments are necessary any more.The length of therapy is SO individualized. There are a lot of factors that go into this. Many clients come for around 6 months, however, there are a variety of clients who come much longer, or shorter than that. Some clients come in for recharge sessions once a month and others don’t feel that’s necessary. The beauty, is you get to run the show. We always tell our clients that you are more than welcome to come back at any time, regardless if it’s months or years after our last appointments. People have things pop up in life, deaths of a loved one, life changes, babies, marriages, divorces, etc. and sometimes we need a re-charge. The decision to end therapy is something we will talk about all along the way, the beautiful part - you get to drive this journey.
There is such a beautiful component to mental health therapy- it’s a non-judgmental space, with someone who is unbiased, and you don’t have to worry about hurting anyone’s feelings. Additionally, you don’t have the worries of feeling like a burden, which can often times come with talking to friends and family, and there is no worry about your friend telling another friend, or family member telling another family member. It is a confidential, judgement free zone, where you can laugh, cry, talk crap, feel encouraged and supported all while healing.
Also, a mental health professional has significant training and a skillset that can help you approach your situation in a new way. We will teach you new skills, help you gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. A mental health therapist can be an extremely powerful tool in becoming a stronger, healthier, and more confident person on this journey of life.
Ready to learn more about our process & services?
If you're ready to learn more about our process and services, we encourage you to contact us and we can discuss the next step.