How can therapy help me?
People usually decide to talk to a therapist when life becomes unbearable or they have difficult decisions to make. They recognize they need help from an objective person.
What is therapy like?
Every therapy session is unique, and the goal is to address each individual’s specific concerns. It is common to schedule a series of sessions, where each session lasts around 50 minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific matter or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives.
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy refers to a range of treatments that can help with mental health problems, emotional challenges, and some psychiatric disorders. It aims to enable clients to understand their feelings and know how to move forward in a healthy way.
What is the difference between psychotherapy and psychiatry?
Psychiatrists are trained medical doctors, they can prescribe medications, and they spend much of their time with clients on medication management as a course of treatment. Psychotherapists focus on providing counselling to their clients.
What happens if I get into a session or two with you and we realize there is a conflict of interest? How is that handled?
If a conflict of interest occurs, together, we will review your options and a referral will be made to a new therapist.
Is Medication a Substitute for Therapy?
In some cases, a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Speaking with your family doctor can determine what is best for you. It’s my experience that long-term solutions to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause can not be dealt with using only medications. Addressing the root cause of the problem and obtaining strategies to deal with the issue(s) is the best way to obtain sustainable growth and a great sense of well-being.