MS, MFT
Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy
What can I expect from therapy?
How do I know if I should enter into individual, couple, or family therapy?
How can a child benefit from therapy?
How do I pick the right therapist for me?
What should I ask a potential therapist?
How do I evaluate my experiences in therapy?
Psychotherapy is the process of entering into a structured relationship with a psychotherapist toward gaining assistance with problems of living. Psychotherapy usually includes increasing a client’s individual sense of well-being as well as reducing distressing experiences. Psychotherapy is designed to improve the mental health of a client or to improve relationships, such as in couples or families.
Please view my personal philosophy for a more detailed description of my beliefs about psychotherapy.
Who is a psychotherapist?
Psychotherapists are educated and licensed professionals who base their therapy practices on varying theoretical ideas about problems and change. Toward the goal of assisting clients in adapting or changing in the direction the client desires, psychotherapists may utilize a range of techniques, such as dialogue, relationship building, exploration of problems, enhanced thinking and decision-making, and adoption of behavior change strategies.
What is the difference between a marriage and family therapist, social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist?
Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) hold a master’s degree in psychology, counseling psychology, clinical psychology, or marriage and family therapy. Some MFTs may also have a doctorate degree. Emphasis is on providing psychotherapy from a variety of therapeutic orientations with individuals, couples, families, and groups. MFTs believe that an individual's problems and emotional issues are best understood within the context of his or her systemic environment, including current or past relationships, career, culture, community, and society.
Social Workers hold a master’s degree in clinical social work. Some social workers may also have a doctorate degree. Emphasis is on providing diagnosis and assessment, clinical treatment, and client advocacy. Social workers have specialized training in linking clients to community and institutional resources.
Psychologists have a doctorate degree (either PhD or PsyD) in psychology. Emphasis is on providing psychotherapy as well as conducting psychological testing and research. Psychologists often view client problems from an individual rather than a systemic framework and see many clients individually.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who may also be trained to provide psychotherapy. Emphasis is on prescribing and monitoring psychotropic medications. Psychiatrists offer expertise on the biological aspects of mental health conditions.
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Who attends therapy and why?
Men, women, and children from all walks of life – including diversity regarding age, race, religion, education, socio-economic status, and cultural background – attend therapy to seek professional and confidential assistance with a variety of life problems. The trained assistance of a supportive, yet objective therapist can help clients with healing, problem solving, and creating meaningful change.
What can I expect from therapy?
Therapy is a relational experience. Most therapists begin treatment by taking an assessment of your problems, history, and lifestyle. You can expect your therapist to assist with building an environment of safety and trust toward exploring your problems, understanding feelings and beliefs, and working on change. Therapy is often a beneficial experience that can awaken hope and vitality; however, therapy can sometimes bring up emotions, such as anger or grief, that are difficult to process. When a therapist and client(s) work together to determine the goals, pace, and ending of treatment, the discomfort of therapy is often manageable and small compared to the benefits.
How do I know if I should enter into individual, couple, or family therapy?
Sometimes what appears to be a relational problem on the surface turns out to be rooted in an individual’s struggle with emotion or behavior. More often, what appears to be an individual problem can be better understood and treated with the presence of both members of a couple or all members of a family. It is important to discuss the treatment modality with your therapist to determine if individual, couple, or family therapy is most recommended and to see if flexibility along these lines is possible. Because children and adolescents still live with their families, they often benefit from either family therapy or a combination of individual and family treatment. Clients often make these decisions based on what feels most comfortable to them.
How can a child benefit from therapy?
Unlike adults, children have not yet developed the emotional awareness or cognitive skills to utilize traditional talk therapy. However, children still have profound emotional experiences and ideas about themselves and their families. Children speak the language of play. Through engagement in play and artistic expression with a trained psychotherapist, children can process their emotions, generate more positive concepts of self and others, and learn coping skills for managing the sometimes-scary world of emotions and social relationships.
How long does therapy last?
Unless mandated by a governing body such as the court system, the length of therapy treatment is determined by client choice and therapist recommendation. Some clients attend therapy to address a singular problem while others are looking for a deeper experience. Meaningful change usually requires weekly sessions for at least three months; however, many clients attend therapy for many months or even years to understand and cope with the multiple layers of life problems. Clients and therapists often assess the need for continued therapy at various times throughout treatment. Clients always retain the right to end treatment at any time.
How do I pick the right therapist for me?
Choosing a therapist can be an overwhelming and confusing task. Assessing your problems and goals, preferred modality (i.e.: individual, couple, family), and fee and insurance needs will assist you with finding a therapist who can help you best.
Are you looking for someone who can provide support and insight and/or someone who can teach you specific skills? Do you have a problem that may require special expertise, such as substance abuse? Do you need a therapist who understands how to address the relational concerns of couples and families? What fee are you comfortable paying? Do you need a therapist who accepts a particular type of insurance?
Answering these questions for yourself can assist you with clarifying your problems and expectations toward choosing a therapist with expertise and policies that match your needs best.
Please view the special resources page for additional information about mental health services.
What should I ask a potential therapist?
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What is the therapist’s theoretical approach or personal style to therapy?
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How is this different from other types of therapy?
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Does the therapist have experience assisting with your particular problem?
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What is the therapist’s training and licensure status?
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What are the therapist’s fees and policies?
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Does the therapist accept insurance and if so under what providers and plans?
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Does the therapist have a policy for continuing in treatment when/if insurance coverage runs out?
What should I ask myself?
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What do I hope to gain from therapy?
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Am I willing and able to make the time and monetary commitments necessary to work on positive change in my life right now?
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Am I open to working through the uncomfortable emotions that sometimes arise in the course of therapy?
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Am I comfortable with this therapist?
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Do I trust him/her to assist me with my problems?
How do I evaluate my experiences in therapy?
Just like the endeavor of therapy itself, evaluating your therapy is a very personal and subjective experience. Two important factors in determining your success or continued need for therapy are how comfortable you feel with your therapist and if you are making progress toward your therapy goals. Even if your original goal has taken a back seat to new emotions and materials that have come up while in treatment, do you find the process of therapy supportive, enlightening, constructive, and/or life enhancing? If not, it is important to speak with your therapist about your concerns. Clients always retain the option to end treatment and seek the assistance of a different therapist or helping professional.
TBA www.therapywithamanda.com