ther·a·py [ther-uh-pee]
1. the treatment of disease or disorders, as by some remedial, rehabilitating, or curative process
2. a curative power or quality
3. pychotherapy
4. any act, hobby, task, program, etc., that releases tension
...Well, that's what the dictionary gives as an exact definition of therapy....
Let me give you an easier definition. Therapy, psychotherapy, counseling, however you would like to call it, is the act of a licensed professional providing treatment, management or relief of some type of mental health symptom, such as depression, anxiety, phobias among many others. In therapy, you learn more about your moods, feelings, thoughts, behaviors and even environment and relationships and how they may be benefiting or disrupting your daily living. Therapists provide guidance, suggestions and support of how to tweak unpleasant or malfunctioning parts of your life, but will never tell you how to live your life. It can be short term or long term, depending on need. I have had clients for a few months, up to several years! Check out this article with a great simplified description of how therapy works.
Please know that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all service. Every therapist is different, as is every client that comes in my office. I encourage you to take time, look over my website, send me an email, or give me a call for a free 10 minute consultation over the phone so you can get to know me. The alliance between the therapist and client is a key factor in effectiveness. I strive to create a comfortable and warm therapy setting and will try my best to tailor-make our sessions to meet your individual needs.
A crucial aspect of therapy that many clients forget is that the outcome and effectiveness of therapy depends on YOU. Your willingness to share, explore other options to think, act, etc., and to take what we discuss and apply it to life outside of our sessison. The more open you are, the more I can provide and support, the more positive changes will happen. I serve as a coach, teacher, cheerleader, whatever you'd like to call me- YOU are the one that makes the change!
Just for fun, here are some myths about therapy :
(Provided by HealthGuide.org and PsychCentral.com)
"I don't need a therapist. I'm smart enough to solve my own problems."
We all have our blind spots. Intelligence has nothing to do with it. A good therapist doesn’t tell you what to do or how to live your life. He or she will give you an experienced outside perspective and help you gain insight into yourself so you can make better choices.
"Therapy is easy. All you do is sit there and talk."
Though it can be nice to have someone to talk to and simply listen, therapy will not always feel pleasant. Painful memories, frustrations or feelings might surface. This is a normal part of therapy and your therapist will guide you through this process. Be sure to communicate with your therapist about how you are feeling.
"Therapy is for crazy people."
Therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and want to learn tools and techniques to become more self-confident and emotionally balanced. Yes, the stigma of mental health in today's society paints the picture of only the most severe seeking out therapy, but about 27% of adults and about 13% of children/teenagers have been to a mental health specialist for individual, family and/or couples therapy (2007).
"Therapy is for whiners, complainers and the weak."
Sadly, having emotional or cognitive concerns is seen as a moral failing or character flaw. Not fixing your own problems is viewed as weak, so therapy tends to get stigmatized as a shaky solution. But it’s just the opposite. Seeking help for your problems means you’re taking action. Asking for help often requires more strength than passively staying stuck. Plus, consider other successful individuals who’ve had help from mental health practitioners, including top athletes, celebrities, executives and Nobel Prize winners.
"Therapists are all about the money."
If therapists were really in it for the money, they would’ve picked other careers ad put their money into getting a law degree or medical degree. Good therapists who thrive in this work have a deep respect for humanity, truly want to help others and aren’t driven by the almighty dollar.
"Therapy is unneccessary when you can just talk to your friends."
There are several flaws in this thought, but it is true that social support is important for everyone, especially when you’re super stressed. Therapy is very different from relationships with friends and family for several reasons such as: a) therapists are highly trained professionals who’ve spent years learning and practicing how to diagnose and treat cognitive, emotional, behavioral and relational issues, b) typically friends go back and forth discussing each others' issues, when in therapy, each session is devoted to you, c) with friends you’re more likely to censor yourself, either because you don’t want to hurt their feelings or portray yourself or others in a bad light. In therapy, you can let it all hang out without feeling worried or being judged, and d) therapy is confidential, they are legally mandated secret-keepers!