About Therapy/FAQ
Therapy also called psychotherapy or counseling, is the process of meeting with a therapist to resolve problematic behaviors, beliefs, feelings, relationship issues, and/or somatic responses (sensations in the body). Beginning therapy can be a big step toward being the healthiest version of yourself and living the best life possible—no matter what challenges you may be facing.
Why Do People Seek Therapy?
People come into therapy for various reasons such as, sudden changes in their lives, whether traumatic or unplanned, while others seek self-exploration and personal growth. If you feel overwhelmed by guilt, doubt, anxiety, or despair, therapy can help. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers and overcome challenges.
Do I Really Need Therapy?
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it.
What Would A Client Experience in Therapy?
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. When clients come to our office, they are met with a welcoming, casual, laid-back, and nonjudgmental atmosphere. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions, we often assign "homework assignments."
How Many Times Do I Need to Meet with a Therapist?
Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. The frequency in which you meet with your therapist will meet will be determined/based on your situation. We usually tell our clients to think about coming to therapy once a week, especially at the beginning of treatment, of course, factors like scheduling and finances may come into factor, however, it is ideal that a client engages in weekly sessions. Therapy sessions typically run 50 minutes for at least 12 weeks. Many clients stay in therapy longer than that, especially if they have deeper or longer-standing issues, or if they simply want to keep improving and moving forward. Often, as a client makes progress in treatment, the visits will be less frequent, perhaps every other week or once a month.
I am nervous, should I be?
It is completely normal to be nervous or anxious before attending a therapy session, especially your first one. For some, the feelings of anxiety last beyond the first session and may occur before the appointments during the initial phase of therapy or recur at various points in the treatment when addressing critical issues. We are here for you and care for you. We will be here for you through this journey.
What to expect the first session?
Our office is set up a little more like a living room (with couches or comfortable chairs). During your first session, we’ll get to know each other. There will be paperwork for you to complete that is much like the paperwork would receive at any doctor’s visit. You will be asked about your presenting issue, which is the reason you are seeking therapy. Your therapist may ask a number of questions about your symptoms, history and why you are seeking therapy. At the end of this session, we’ll have a good idea of whether we’ll work well together. If you’d like to meet some other therapists, I’m happy to provide you with referrals to respected colleagues. I won’t be offended by the request. It’s important for you to feel comfortable and confident in our working relationship. The intake session typically lasts around 60-75 minutes.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of a session starts at $80. The typical cost of a therapy session is $100-$150 ( call around if you don't believe is). At Urban Healing, we believe that therapy should be accessible to everyone.
Do I have to talk about things from the past that may be painful or embarrassing issues?
You do not need to share all of your inner secrets at your first session. We understand that it takes time to build trust. Many times clients indicate that they experienced significant trauma in the past are not ready to address it, that's perfectly fine. Again, it takes time to build trust. As you establish a stronger therapeutic rapport, you and therapist will know when it is time to share.