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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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