What’s the difference between talking to a therapist vs. my best friend or family?
It’s a true gift to have good friends and close family members to turn to for support. So keep those connections strong and reach out to them as you usually do.
Here are some important differences when working with me as your therapist:
- Depth and breadth of exploration
- Differentiate parts that seem tangled and complicated
- Link disparate parts that may bring clarity, coherence, and integration
- Help you become more relational with yourself and others
- Teach you new skills and build practice
- Listen without judgment or expectations, and with patience
- Offer direct honesty (delivered compassionately, of course) and help you face truthful reality
- Confidentiality (exceptions due to legal responsibility)
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique and the length of time counseling can take to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal growth and development, commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place. It may also come down to practical matters such as finances or time. A common solution is to schedule sessions less frequently.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your willingness to be open, curious, honest, and vulnerable are essential to making therapy a successful experience. In between sessions, practicing new skills/tools and reflecting on what you learned are crucial to creating lasting change.