What is therapy, and how does it work?
Therapy is a process of learning and growth facilitated by a human relationship - a relationship between you and your therapist. In essence, it is a kind of ongoing conversation between you and your therapist. Therapy takes place in an atmosphere that is at once comforting and challenging: the comfort of therapy - building trust and rapport with your therapist - allows you to talk about problems and experience feelings that you might ordinarily feel too uncomfortable to address. The therapist's training allows him or her to help you establish an optimal balance of comfort and challenge in your therapy.
Therapy is not advice-giving, it is not a friendship, and it is not a magic wand or a quick fix to make one's problems go away.
Therapy can be hard work, and it takes commitment and effort, but over time, numerous positive changes can occur. You can gain new insight into your thoughts, feelings, actions, and beliefs. You can become more aware of your actual lived experience - for example, the feelings you experience in various situations - and the meaning of that experience for you. You may have new experiences in therapy - you may relate to your therapist in a new way, or experience a new feeling about something in your life - and these new experiences may challenge you to grow. Eventually, these insights and experiences can help you to make desired changes in your life.
Therapy is a process of learning and growth facilitated by a human relationship - a relationship between you and your therapist. In essence, it is a kind of ongoing conversation between you and your therapist. Therapy takes place in an atmosphere that is at once comforting and challenging: the comfort of therapy - building trust and rapport with your therapist - allows you to talk about problems and experience feelings that you might ordinarily feel too uncomfortable to address. The therapist's training allows him or her to help you establish an optimal balance of comfort and challenge in your therapy.
Therapy is not advice-giving, it is not a friendship, and it is not a magic wand or a quick fix to make one's problems go away.
Therapy can be hard work, and it takes commitment and effort, but over time, numerous positive changes can occur. You can gain new insight into your thoughts, feelings, actions, and beliefs. You can become more aware of your actual lived experience - for example, the feelings you experience in various situations - and the meaning of that experience for you. You may have new experiences in therapy - you may relate to your therapist in a new way, or experience a new feeling about something in your life - and these new experiences may challenge you to grow. Eventually, these insights and experiences can help you to make desired changes in your life.
I believe that Lindsey is a truly gifted therapist...it is second nature to her. Prior to seeing Lindsey I had weathered one family crisis after another for many years, and did not foresee my situation changing much in the near future... I had found it increasingly difficult to focus at work, harder to enjoy the little things in life, and near to impossible to leave town for fear that something terrible would happen while I was gone. I realized that I was just miserably waiting for the next shoe to drop... all as a result of my increasing anxiety. Lindsey has had an interesting way of basically assisting me down a path of self- acceptance and growth by allowing me to figure things out without actually giving advice...but instead merely leading the conversation with maybe a question here, a comment there, and of course the use of her wonderful analogies. I have been able to live again and enjoy life as a result of her ability to help me look within and learn to control my thought processes and anxiety level. When I look back to where I was and where I am now it is truly amazing to realize that she was able to get me to this place of comfort. As I said, she is truly gifted as a therapist...and also as an individual. Also, I must add that if you want to learn to laugh again...She's the best!! - Deb
Will therapy help me?
Therapy is to some extent an art, not a science, and so there can never be an ironclad guarantee that a given course of therapy will have any particular outcome. However, you are more likely to have a positive outcome in therapy if you have clear goals in mind (or can devise them with the help of your therapist) and if you trust and feel comfortable with your therapist.
Don't be afraid to tell your therapist if you believe your therapy isn't working. Good therapists want you to be truthful, not to sugarcoat your feelings. Interestingly, such conversations can sometimes deepen therapy very quickly.
Does therapy take a long time?
That depends upon you and your goals. Some people may spend a few months in therapy and feel finished; others may spend six months, a year or two, or many years. Some goals are more conducive to short therapies than others.
There is no way to know ahead of time how long you will need or want to stay in therapy, but here is a very general rule of thumb. If you are dealing with something of a recent nature (for example, you have been happy most of your life, but you became depressed a few months ago), or if your goals are relatively circumscribed, you may find a brief therapy sufficient. If you are dealing with something chronic (for example, you have been depressed as long as you can remember), or if your goals are far-reaching, then you might plan on staying in therapy for a longer time.
It can be quite helpful to make a commitment to yourself and the counseling process of at least 4-6 sessions. During the first one to two therapy sessions a thorough assessment is completed, goals are identified, and together we create a treatment plan that fits your needs. With any counseling situation, it is ultimately up to the client as to how long he or she engages in treatment. Each situation is unique and it is part of my job to help you determine how many therapy sessions may be needed to reach your desired goals.
How do I find a good therapist?
Feel free to interview different therapists until you find one who seems right for you. You might ask them what their background is, how they work, what they charge, and anything else that you feel is relevant. Even if you do not get answers to all your questions, you will get a sense of what each therapist is like. Ask for recommendations from someone you trust, like your doctor or a close friend.
One other thing: trust your gut. If you find yourself feeling truly uncomfortable with a therapist - perhaps they are behaving in a way that strikes you as incompetent, or unethical - thank them for their time and leave. There are many good, ethical therapists out there seeking to provide the highest quality of service; do not settle for anything less.
What can I expect from counseling?
Being specific about the changes you desire in your life and periodically checking to see if counseling is helping create those changes, will enhance your outcome. Therapy depends on many factors, not the least of which is your courage and commitment. My commitment is to provide the highest level of caring, professionalism, and integrity to each therapeutic relationship.
What is a Marriage and Family Therapist?
A licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, is a licensed counselor who has the added training and experience working with couples and families, as well as individuals. I am trained to have a systemic perspective that encompasses the dynamics between people in addition to the internal workings of one person. A great deal of our lives is relational, and this approach can be helpful and empowering in both couples and individual work.
