Common Questions
Most people can benefit from therapy. If you are asking the question, then this is a sign that talking to a therapist would likely be a good idea. Some people who benefit from therapy have relatively stable and happy lives, but sense that their inner life is not as satisfying as they wish. Perhaps they don't take the joy in their work or their relationships that they used to, or perhaps they are learning that there are interests they have that they want to explore as they get older. If you are questioning whether or not therapy may be right for you, please feel free to contact me. We can explore together how therapy may be able to benefit you.
Therapy is, most basically, a type of conversation. However, unlike most conversations, where both parties bring their own interests to the table, in therapy, you and the therapist both focus on what is most beneficial for you. The therapist will not know what is "best" for you, but will be able to help you find what is best for you. For example, by simply watching for body language and vocal inflection, a therapist can help make you more aware of feelings you have while discussing certain topics. For example, if you consistently look and sound sad when discussing your current job, yet sound excited and energetic while discussing a different work opportunity, this is important information. Sometimes it is scary to make a change - like switching jobs - but it is important to be aware of your feelings about the direction of your life. Your emotions can help guide you to live the most fulfilling and authentic life possible.
Additionally, therapy can help you to recover from traumas and developmental wounds from the past. Through the theraputic relationship, many old wounds can be healed. Sometimes this means mourning, such as mourning the loss of happy childhood. Sometimes this can mean learning to trust and accept support from another person, which can start with your therapist. There are as many paths in therapy as there are people in therapy. My training and approach to therapy focus on creating a plan that is individualized for you and your needs.
This is a difficult question to answer. For relativley simple issues, a course of therapy can be as short as 10 sessions. For more complex issues, therapy can take several years to fully bring about the changes you seeks to make in your life. The best short answer is that therapy lasts as long as you want it to last, so long as the work together remains beneficial to you. Of course, each individual is different. I encourage you to call and explore this topic if it interests you. Often I will be able to give you a sense of how long your therapy may take after a few sessions, wherein I am able to gain a clear understanding of who you are and what issues you are bringing into therapy to work on.
