Why do I need outside professional help?
You are probably really good at holding things together and no doubt, you are the expert on your own life and dreams. However, sometimes we get blindsided by situations and our emotions can cloud our judgment and block our clarity. Therapists are trained to understand human behavior and use research-based techniques to help people identify and solve problems, assisting individuals to work toward personal goals and overall growth. Some people seek therapy who are in crisis, such as having thoughts of self-harm or serious mental health problems. Others seek therapy for more isolated, but intensely distressing problems such as an extramarital affair, grieving the loss of a loved one, or any of the numerous curve balls life can throw at us. When you begin to experience emotions or symptoms that won’t go away or that start to impact important areas in your life, having the support of a mental health professional can be greatly beneficial. Maybe you feel stuck in your career, have difficulty managing your anxiety, or just aren’t enjoying your life as much as you could be. You don’t have to have a major problem to see a therapist. All that is required is a desire to want more for yourself and a willingness to try something different. Having outside professional support can help you identify the solution to your problems sooner and help to reduce your struggle. Your therapist will also help you identify any behavior patterns that may be keeping you stuck or holding you back from where you want to be. Not all techniques work for all people, so your therapist will work with you to find the best approach for your individual situation and help you take the steps to reach your goals and decrease the negative symptoms you are experiencing.
I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?
Not at all. Knowing you could use some help is a sign of strength. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, I’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing. We may even uncover some strengths you didn’t even know you had and discover some new ones along the way.
What’s the difference between talking to you rather than my best friend or family?
The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the professional training and experience to do that same thing professionally, while also being able to teach you new ways to understand and solve your problems. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life. No matter how close you are with the person, it can be difficult for them not to interject their own personal emotions or views onto you or the situation, sometimes for their own gain. This may be intentional or unintentional, as we are all human. When we use those involved in the situation to help solve it, or those who do not have the professional training or skills to help us be honest with ourselves, it often leads to further misunderstanding or confusion. Having an outside, objective perspective can help you sort out YOUR thoughts and gain understanding of your problems to find the right solutions effectively.
Can’t I just take medication?
Medication can be effective, but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with therapy. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
Because each person has different issues and goals for seeking therapy, it will be different depending on the individual. The therapeutic process seeks to meet goals established by all persons involved, usually revolving around a specific complaint(s). Participating in therapy may include benefits such as the resolution of presenting problems as well as improved intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships. It may reduce stress, enhance your ability to manage stress, and increase your ability to cope with problems related to work, family, personal, relational, etc. Participating in therapy can lead to greater understanding of personal and relational goals and values which can increase harmony and lead to greater happiness. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs. No one method works for everyone. Together, we will find what works best for you. As we continue our work together, if we discover that things aren’t working as you’d hoped, we can make changes along the way to find the right fit for your individual needs and goals. Your input and feedback during sessions is important to that process.
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to answer in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place. Therapy sessions are typically weekly or biweekly depending upon the nature of the presenting challenges and our agreed upon schedule. They may be more or less frequent as needed. We will collaboratively discuss from session to session how you are progressing, what the next steps are, and how often therapy sessions will occur.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and commitment will be crucial to your success. Be honest with yourself and remain open-minded to try new ways to work through your problems. Therapy is not a quick fix, but it does work if you are willing to remain open and willing during the process.
I do not live in the Red Bank area but would still like to work with you. How does tele-therapy work?
For individuals who do not reside within easy travel distance to my office, I offer video therapy sessions. These services are offered to anyone living in the New Jersey or New York areas, as I am licensed in both states. Essentially, the process is exactly the same…we will speak via phone to determine what services you are looking for and if I am the right fit as your therapist. If we decide to begin working together, I will send you the informed consent and confidentiality paperwork via email for you to sign and return to me via mail. Once we begin treatment, we will complete our sessions using a HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliant video messaging platform. If you are familiar with Facetime or Skype it is similar, although I use a specific software application with which I have a business contract to ensure your privacy is ensured and protected. There are some guidelines I suggest on your end to ensure you are in a private location so that your sessions are not overheard by anyone. If you are interested in this service, we will review these details at length and I will send you the link to the software application along with your unique login information. There is no difference in cost for these sessions versus in-person sessions.