Each year, almost 44 million Americans experience a mental disorder. In fact, mental illness are among the most common conditions affecting health today. The good news is that most people who have mental illness, even serious ones, can lead productive lives with proper treatment. Therapy is interpersonal treatment for problems in living. It involves talking with a trained professional about conditions ranging from depression and anxiety to relationship conflicts and career frustrations. Therapy provides ways to express feelings, understand patterns of thinking, gain perspective on past events and current relationships, set goals, and clarify dreams for the future. Therapy can both alleviate pain and suffering and add meaning and richness to life. Therapists employ a range of techniques and methods, some suited to particular mental health issues and some that can be applied to clients dealing with a variety of issues. All therapists seek to increase their client’s mental health and to act as a confidential and careful listener. (From Psychology Today at http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/)
Therapy will include, but is not limited to, the following elements:
Psychosocial Assessment - During your initial appointment, your counselor will meet with you and assess your current situation and needs through a variety of questions. During you assessment, you will be asked questions about your physical and mental health, substance abuse, family and social life, education, strengths, etc. This session will differ from typical ongoing sessions as your therapist works with you to identify and focus on goals for therapy. Our therapists use a variety of techniques and approaches based on individual or family needs and individualized therapeutic goals. This session typically ranges from 45-60 minutes.
Individual therapy – Individual sessions involve meeting with your therapist one on one to work toward your goals. The approach and techniques used in these sessions will depend on the individualized goals set by you and your therapist. These sessions range from 30-50 minutes.
Family therapy – These sessions typically focus on family relationships and sessions involve other family members. The approach and techniques used in these sessions will depend on the individualized goals set by you and your therapist. Family sessions typically last 45-50 minutes.
Individual assessments – Throughout the therapy process you may be asked to read certain things, to complete written assignments, or to try new behaviors aligned with your therapy goals. These assignments are designed to foster insight, change and growth needed to achieve your goals.