Frequently Asked Questions
Is therapy right for me?
Seeking out therapy is an important choice. People come to therapy for different reasons. Some come for assistance with longer term psychological issues. Others come for help with anxiety or depression. Still others seek out therapy for help with unexpected changes in life such as a divorce, work transition or death of a loved one. Sometimes people simply feel the need to take a next step in personal growth and exploration. A trusted relationship with a therapist can provide support, insight and new ideas for navigating life’s challenges. Therapy has helped people better handle many different issues such as depression, conflict resolution, handling stress, body-image issues, anxiety, grief and general life transitions. Therapy is recommended for anyone who desires to create a fuller life, gain self-awareness and make positive changes.
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
Everyone faces life challenges and could use some extra support at times. Acknowledging this need is the first step of therapy. By accepting where you are at in life and seeking assistance in therapy you are moving toward growth. Therapy can provide support and the tools needed to overcome those challenges that are simply too tough to face alone.
What does therapy look like?
A single therapy session is typically fifty minutes long, and many clients choose to have sessions on a weekly basis. However, the frequency, duration, and focus of therapy will all depend on your personal goals and concerns, which you will discuss with your therapist. Therapy is collaborative, so while your therapist is there to support and facilitate your healing process, your therapy will be most successful if you are willing to take responsibility for your own change and growth. Your therapist will do his or her best to provide a kind, safe environment in which to pursue greater insight and care in regards to your own story.
How can therapy benefit me?
There are many beneficial elements from participating in the therapeutic process. Counselors can bring new perspectives on tough issues and help you move towards better options for yourself. The support of a therapist can also help in a variety of life issues including relational strain, depression, anxiousness, stress, and other difficult life stages. Counseling can also benefit those who wish to grow not only just from a painful moment, but also for those who wish to grow from a place of stability. A large portion of the beneficial nature of therapy rests on how a person invests themselves in the process of therapy and practicing what is learned there. Some of the benefits you can expect are:
- Gaining a better understand of yourself, what you are looking for and hoping for.
- Finding growth in your personal relationships
- Resolving circumstances of difficult memories that have brought you to therapy.
- Finding a restful place as you build skills toward coping better with anxiety or stress
- Learning to care for yourself in times of sadness or pain
- Growing your self-acceptance and self-concept levels
What about medication?
Medication can be a useful supplement to psychotherapy. Sometimes it is difficult to focus on symptom relief and self-growth when strong symptoms of anxiety or depression are present. For some people, medication can help stabilize and assist their growth in psychotherapy. Medications do not come without potential side effects and risks. One should always discuss the risks of medication use with a qualified health professional. Aphia Health and Wellness does NOT prescribe medication for clients.
Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?
Yes. The first step in the process is to check with your insurance carrier. You will need the answers to the following questions:
1. What are the benefits of your plan regarding mental health?
2. How much is covered per therapy session?
3. How many sessions are covered by my plan?
4. What amount does insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
5. Do I need approval from my primary care physician?
Is therapy confidential?
All communications between a client and therapist are generally confidential. For information to be disclosed a client would have to provide prior written permission. There are some exceptions however. These include:
- Abuse of a dependent adult or elder abuse.
- Suspected child abuse
- Threats of serious physical harm to another person.
- Intentions of a client to harm him or herself.
In any of these cases, the therapist is required to notify the appropriate authorities and take every precaution for safety of the client and others.
Supervision for children during therapy sessions is not provided and we cannot accept responsibility for them. For their safety please make arrangements for childcare as you attend therapy sessions.
