Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS THERAPY?
Psychotherapy is a voluntary process of you and a trained professional working together to improve some aspect of your life. It most often involves talking, but can also involve experiences and practices outside of session.
DOES THERAPY WORK?
Broadly, yes. A large review of over 9,000 individual treatment studies (Lipsey & Wilson, 1993) found a 62% improvement for those receiving therapy compared to those not receiving psychotherapy. This is generally comparable to rates found for medical treatments for various medical conditions.
THERAPY VS TALKING WITH A FRIEND
Confidentiality: Anything you discuss with a therapist is confidential. Relationship: All of the time you spend in therapy is devoted to you and addressing the issues that brought you to therapy. The purpose of a therapist is to try and help you; never the other way around. Objectivity: It is a therapist's job is to be honest and forthcoming in their interaction with you; not just telling you "what you want to hear." Purpose: All interactions between you and a therapist should be oriented towards a common goal (not just "venting" of problems). Training: Therapists have extensive educational training and experience in dealing with different psychological problems.
HOW DOES THERAPY WORK?
Psychotherapy works by providing opportunities for new learning. This does not mean learning like you experienced in school (like from a book or a lecture), but learning through a new experience. These new experiences occur both inside and outside of the session. In the end, these experiences encourage new behaviors, feelings, and ways of thinking. In addition, therapists often work on specific problems with a clear goal in mind. In other words, therapy is not simply talking about problems, but talking about problems in a productive way (one that moves you closer to your goals).
WHAT IS MY ROLE IN THERAPY?
Therapy is a collaborative process. You will not be expected to talk the entire session, nor will you be expected to listen passively to the therapist. Both you and your therapist will be actively involved in helping to address your concerns. Goals for treatment will be discussed and will be agreed on by both you and your therapist. In addition, besides interacting in session, you will be expected to do things outside of session to help you get better. In other words, you are a big part of any positive change that occurs.
WHAT WILL THERAPY INVOLVE?
- Coming up with goals for therapy (to determine if we're making progress)
- Doing work outside of the therapy hour
- Discussing fears/insecurities, hopes/dreams, values and what gives your life meaning
- Having open discussions about the process of therapy and how we are relating to each other