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COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does a first session look like?

Typically, the first session is an assessment session where the therapist gathers the client’s biopsychosocial history. This means we ask about the psychology of the client’s patterns, the health and illness history, and the client’s social factors are evaluated. Some therapists use the first couple of sessions to complete this. Some therapists have a longer first session to complete the evaluation.

How can therapy help me?

A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues, and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset in managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

  • Attaining a better understanding of your authentic self, your strengths and weaknesses, and how to leverage them to accomplish your purpose

  • Developing skills for improving relationships with self and other

  • Finding a resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy

  • Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety

  • Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures

  • Improving communications skills

  • Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones

  • Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage

  • Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

I can usually handle my problems. Do I really need therapy?

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?

People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts, and creative blocks. Therapy can help provide some much-needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.

What is therapy like?

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly).

It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process - such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors, or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives, and take responsibility for their lives.

What about medication vs. psychotherapy?

It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you, and in some cases, a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action.

Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and a psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but in the therapist's office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in the session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, or Attorney), but by law, your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.

However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

  • Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, disabled adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.

  • Domestic abuse that children are being exposed to.

  • If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.

  • Court order *Information requested by FBI

  • A client signing a Release of Information (ROI) to coordinate care between providers or outside parties

What if I don't click with my provider?

We strive to provide you with the best fit! Before we schedule you, we take the initial information you have given us and matched you with providers with experience working in the areas you’re hoping to explore. If you do not like your therapist upon meeting them, you are not obligated to stay with your therapist. It is encouraged to communicate with your therapist about your reasons and either create a plan with them to transition or work through any misunderstandings that have come up. Therapy is the start of a professional relationship, and each relationship takes work. It can be awkward at first, but again, with communication it is possible to create a very powerful dynamic that can lead you towards your goals.

If you believe it’s not changing, speak with your office’s front desk team and they can find a better match!

Do minors need permission from their parents to start therapy?

In California, minors ages 12 and older can consent to their own treatment. A parent’s approval or signature is not necessary. For minors with divorced parents, the parent who holds legal custody provides consent. If parents hold joint custody, both parents must consent to treatment.

Will you read my mind?

Kind of. We will try to help you figure out more about yourself than you might already know.

Will you tell me my future?

No. But if you figure out a way to do this, please let us know as soon as you can.

What is the difference between an associate, a licensed therapist, and a psychiatrist?

An associate is a therapist that is in the process of completing their hours for licensure and need to pass their licensing board exam. Any professional who is licensed has accrued 3,000 hours and passed their board exam. They also are required to complete continuing education each year. They cannot prescribe medication. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can provide psychotherapy and prescribe or refill medication.

What is a LCSW?

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker has a Master's degree in Social Work and has had supervised clinical work experience of at least 3500 hours, and has passed a state-certified licensing exam. They focus their treatment goals on individual therapy, family therapy, or couple's therapy and they use community resources and strength-based assessments to help develop an action plan. Licensed Clinical Social Workers are required by California Board of Behavioral Sciences to complete 36 hours of continuous education units every two years.

What is a LMFT?

A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist has a Master's degree in Psychology and has had at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical work experience, and has passed a state-certified licensing exam. Along with a year-long practicum and internship; Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists are required to complete clinical training in individual, child, and family therapy. They are also required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to complete 36 continuing education units every two years.

What is a LPCC?

A Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor must possess a master's or doctoral degree that has counseling or psychotherapy in content and has had a minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised clinical work experience, and has passed a National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam. They are also required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to complete 36 continuing education units every two years.

It is important to note that all California Licensed LCSW’s, LMFT’s, LPCC's, and Psychologists are all qualified to provide psychotherapy services to individuals, couples, and family groups. What matters most is your personal connection to the therapist and their experience treating your area of concern. The primary purpose of counseling is to empower the client to deal adequately with life situations, reduce stress, experience personal growth, and make well-informed, rational decisions.