Frequently Asked Questions about psychotherapy, counseling, and treatment
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy treatment involves listening and talking, and understanding the relationship between you and others involved in your life and work. Each psychotherapy session provides the opportunity to find space to tell your story, find solutions, and make the changes that you desire. Our therapists will help you to establish a safe, healing environment so that you can discuss your issues and make progress on your goals.
Will it work for me?
Many people feel a great deal of benefit from psychotherapy, some even after comparatively few meetings. Like any other treatment or life experience, psychotherapy may not be suitable for everyone. Each individual has to make up their own mind about whether therapy is helpful for them. The initial consultations aim to help people think about this, in collaboration with a therapist. Clinical experience shows that if you are motivated and set yourself realistic goals, psychotherapy is likely to be of great benefit.
What does it cost?
Your therapist will go over the costs with you. We don't participate with any insurance companies, so you will be billed at the time of the session. Each therapist in our office is a separate practitioner with his or her own billing system, and will contract with you directly. Our therapist are experienced and have treated hundreds of people with problems like yours. They will help you to chart a course of treatment that will fit within your needs.
Do you take insurance?
Our therapists do not participate directly with any insurance company. We will furnish you with a receipt of each session you may use for insurance reimbursement (out of plan) or tax purposes. We choose to work outside of managed care to protect your confidentiality and to give you the ultimate control over the course of your therapy sessions and treatment.
Does it mean that I am 'ill' if I'm in psychotherapy?
Regardless of how you were referred, psychotherapy aims to treat people with issues of personal development which may have developed recently, or may have developed over many years, sometimes right from early childhood. The aim in psychotherapy is to look more deeply into the emotions, conflicts and distress behind these diagnoses. Psychotherapy does not mean that you are ill. Think of it as an important part of human education -- to understand and resolve your drives, motives, behaviors, and relationships better.
How long will it take?
The length of treatment will be determined by what you are offered following assessment. A brief course of psychotherapy would last about three months, and a course of long term individual therapy can last for a couple of years. The benefits of psychotherapy can continue long after the treatment period itself has finished.
How often are the sessions?
Most psychotherapy is once weekly or twice each month.
What benefit should I feel afterwards?
Research has shown that psychotherapy is effective in reducing symptoms, improving relationships and self esteem. However, as each person is an individual it is difficult to generalize at the beginning as to which benefits a person may feel. The exploration and the journey is often as important as the goal.
Does it usually work?
A great deal of research has been done in the last few years to demonstrate that psychotherapy is effective. However, it only works as a catalyst with the person undergoing treatment. This means that in order to be effective, the "work" is not done to you - but by you and with you.
How will I feel during therapy?
Therapy sometimes requires an uncovering of painful feelings and memories. This can be experienced as a relief but it may also stir up uncomfortable feelings. Keep your therapist informed about your experience as you go through your sessions.
How do I get started?
To set up your first session, call the office number: 301 434 0766 or contact one of the therapists listed on our services page directly.