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Q: How do I choose a therapist who is qualified
and right for me?
A: Call the therapist you are considering seeing and talk with them for a few
minutes. You are probably most interested in learning whether the therapist
is a good fit for you. To answer this question, ask what populations they work
with (e.g., adults, adolescents, children, couples). You may ask about the
types of problems with which they frequently work (e.g., depression, anxiety,
relationship problems, trauma). You might wish to know how much training the
therapist has had and how long they have practiced. Finally, you may describe
your problem and ask whether the therapist feels he or she can help. When making
your final decision, ask yourself whether the therapist seemed to listen carefully
and respond in a clear and helpful way to your questions and concerns.
Q: What is the difference between a psychologist
(Ph.D.) and a therapist with a master’s degree (e.g., M.S.W.,
M.S., M.A.)?
A: Psychologists are trained in psychology which includes assessment, human
development, personality theory, learning theory, psychopathology, neuropsychology,
multi-cultural issues, social psychology, theories on helping and change, and
research. They complete five to six years of coursework after earning their
bachelor’s degree. They then complete two years of supervised training
and practice. Psychologists must then pass a national exam in order to be licensed.
Master’s level counselors typically are trained in general counseling
skills, human development and multi-cultural issues during two to three years
of education beyond the bachelor’s degree. They then complete two years
of supervised work before being licensed as professional counselors.
Q: How often will I be seen?
A: Typically, we see our clients once per week for about a month in order to
assess the problems and issues involved, develop a treatment plan with you
and begin implementing that plan. After a month, it is common to meet weekly
or every other week depending upon your needs. Over time and with progress,
many clients will meet with their psychologist every three or four weeks
until all goals have been met.
Q: How long are sessions?
A: 45-50 minutes each.
Q: How long does therapy last?
A: Therapy that is problem-focused and limited in scope may be two or three
months in duration. Therapy that is comprehensive and involving many complex
problems may last one or more years. Each client’s situation is highly
unique. Our goal is to help you attain your goals in the most expeditious
manner possible without “hurrying” the process.
Q: Is this service confidential?
A: Your meetings are completely confidential unless you authorize us to provide
specific information to others. There are a few legal exceptions to this
policy, which your psychologist will explain during your first meeting.
Q: What is psychodynamic therapy?
A: This type of therapy reduces symptoms and unwanted behaviors by understanding
and addressing their underlying causes. Clients learn to listen deeply to
their symptoms, emotions, dreams and other self signals for guidance in their
change process. They often learn that their patterns of feelings, thoughts
and behaviors have origins in their childhood experiences. While those patterns
may have been helpful in childhood, they may cause problems in adulthood.
Psychodynamic therapy helps clients understand and transform these patterns
to ones that are more effective in their present lives. Methods of emotional
healing may also be incorporated into this approach.
Q: What is interpersonal therapy?
A: This approach focuses on awareness and understanding of your interpersonal
patterns, so that you can transform them to more effective and life-enhancing
ways of relating. Personal and/or professional relationships may be explored
and altered. This approach also uses the therapeutic relationship as an important
aspect of relational healing and transformation.
Q: What is cognitive and behavioral therapy?
A: This type of therapy focuses on changing your thoughts and behaviors to
reduce symptoms and improve your life satisfaction. It tends to focus on
specific problems and present life concerns. Examples include relaxation
training, alteration of self-talk, lifestyle changes and assertiveness training.
Q: Can more than one therapy approach be used
with a client?
A: Yes, depending upon the goals and history of each client. For example, cognitive-behavioral
approaches may be used initially to reduce symptoms and address current life
situations. Psychodynamic or interpersonal approaches may then be used to examine
and transform certain dysfunctional patterns that seem to have underlying causes.
Of course, the level and extent of therapy is guided by the particular needs
and desires of each client.
Q: Will I need medication?
A: Medication is rarely recommended for people with mild symptoms. Medication
is often discussed as an option when a person is experiencing moderate symptoms.
It is usually recommended when a person is having severe symptoms that inhibit
their daily functioning. Research has consistently found that people with
moderate to severe symptoms typically improve the most when both medication
and psychotherapy are utilized together. We also recognize that people differ
greatly in their feelings and philosophies about medication use and strive
to create an open dialogue in discussing the possible need for medication.
Q: Who will prescribe my medication if I need
it?
A: Psychologists are trained to recognize when medications may be needed and
to offer general answers to medication questions. However, they do not prescribe
medications. When warranted, psychologists refer clients to their primary care
physician or to a psychiatrist for further evaluation. Clients make the final
decision about using medications only after thorough discussion with their
physician.
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