Frequently Asked Questions
Your mental health questions, answered by mental health professions. If you have a question you don’t see answered here, contact us.
What should I look for in a therapist?
The therapeutic relationship is unlike any other relationship. The most important quality to look for is a comfort level that creates an openness to speak to this person. It isn’t always easy to open up right away to someone, but knowing all that you share is confidential can help. We are here to help you unpack and unload your thoughts and feelings, and the more honest and forthcoming you are, the more we are able to help. If you don’t feel a connection to your therapist after a few sessions, it doesn’t mean therapy won’t work for you. It just means that therapist wasn’t the right fit, which happens sometimes. We are happy to help you find other therapists who you may connect better with. Our concern is you getting the help you need, with whomever that may be with.
I have a great support system. Why do I need to talk to a therapist?
Having a strong support system is crucial to living your best life, but it doesn’t mean therapy won’t be beneficial. The reason therapy is helpful is because you dedicate time to unload and unpack your feelings and then you get to leave it and not worry about having to go to a meeting with us, have dinner with us, or hang out, and know that everything you shared will stay in that room. You won’t have to worry about sharing the conversation with another person, as the time is dedicated entirely to you, and what is happening in your life. Sometimes our loved ones can be a source of stress, and we may not feel comfortable sharing the details of our personal relationships with other friends/family for fear of judgment, and because we need an opportunity to vent freely.
What is the difference between a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Registered Intern?
After earning a masters degree in counseling or social work, the state requires further experience before licensure. Before graduating, a student has earned 700 hours of on-site training, and passed a competency exam. Much like medical school, after graduation, one must complete a residency, to gain more experience in a specialized area. Our field refers to this as the “registered intern” process. It takes a minimum of two years, and another 1500 hours of experience, while working with a qualified supervisor, who is their mentor through the process. All of our interns are highly qualified and competent in the areas they advertise.
How do I get the most out of therapy?
We LOVE this question! As much as we’d love to say the hour you spend with us each week will be enough to make monumental changes, the key is to take the information you receive during your session and work with it. We provide suggestions for ways to improve, so try those and report back on what’s working and what you’re continuing to struggle with. What you do after the hour is the most important. Therapy isn’t a formula, and we are here to help find ways that are going to help you, specifically.
Can medication help me?
The scientific community has yet to create a happiness pill- that’s why therapy is so helpful. Happiness comes from creating a life you feel proud of- who you surround yourself with, how you spend your spare time, consistently working on improving. As therapists, we assess whether you could benefit from medication as we go through sessions. Some symptoms are best treated with medication, and sometimes medication can provide the boost needed to work on certain goals. We are happy to provide recommendations as we go, as well as referrals, but therapy is recommended in conjunction with medication.
