Questions About Individual Therapy
How long are therapy sessions?
Individual therapy sessions are usually 45 – 50 minutes. Since therapy is not “one size fits all,” how often you meet depends on your identified needs and personal goals. Some clients meet weekly, biweekly, or once a month. The frequency of your visits will be mutually agreed upon between you and your therapist. The length of therapy is also unique to each individual. Some clients come for several sessions over a period of weeks or months. Others attend therapy for much longer.
How do I know if I need counseling services?
The decision to seek therapy is often prompted by a perceived sense of crisis or upon the recommendation of a loved one, another health care professional, employer, teacher, school counselor, or someone else who cares about your well-being. People choose therapy to deal with a variety of life events, problems in relationships, or symptoms associated with specific mental health disorders. When our stress or symptoms interfere with our ability to function in our normal daily routines, it is time to seek help. Most people come to therapy feeling nervous about what to expect or fearful that they won’t have anything to talk about.
How do I find the right therapist for me?
Calli’s intake staff will help you find the best “fit” by matching you with a mental health provider who specializes in treating the types of issues you are struggling with and who has the personality style that best resonates with you.
One of the most important predictors of successful therapy is the client’s comfort and trust in the therapist. If for some reason you do not feel like it is the right “fit,” it is perfectly acceptable to discuss this with your therapist and to ask for a referral to another provider if that becomes the most appropriate option.
How do I know if therapy will be helpful?
Frequently, people report feeling better after one or two sessions because they were finally able to talk to someone, receive validation, and regain a sense of hope. However, it is also common to experience some amount of discomfort or worsening of symptoms during the individual therapy process as you begin to address difficult emotions, memories, and necessary change. This itself is a sign of progress and your therapist will always ensure your safety and offer support and guidance through the hard times.
How does therapy with children or adolescents differ from adult therapy?
The communication skills and emotional maturity of children and adolescents differ from individual to individual. Sometimes children and teens “act out” their feelings rather than express them appropriately. This means that the behavior is often the only visible sign that a child or adolescent is hurting emotionally. Therapists who work with children and adolescents are trained in ways to help them express their feelings and learn ways to understand the emotions they are experiencing. Therapy with children and teens often takes longer than therapy with adults. This is because it takes longer to establish trust in the relationship. To a parent, this may look as if their child is not making progress. The key is to be patient and open to the process. The therapy format used with children usually involves the use of play, as children are more apt to express themselves through creative means versus verbal expression. The therapist may employ games, puppets, art supplies, and toys. Confidentiality and privacy is important in all therapeutic relationships. For children and teens, this is especially important in the establishment of trust. Therefore, what is talked about between your child and the therapist will be kept between them. Be assured that the therapist will update you upon mutually agreed upon information and in times where safety is a concern. This includes issues of self-harm, harm to others, or instances in which there is abuse.
We recognize that each client is unique. We honor this by taking the time to get to know you as a whole person.
Our team’s goal is to help you feel safe and comfortable, while partnering with you to develop a plan to achieve your goals. We know that change is hard, but even a small change in any aspect of your life can have a significant impact. Our providers will partner with you and help to guide you through your mental health journey.
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