|
 |
 MYTH 1:
"If I need help, I must be crazy" The
equation of “needing help = being crazy” is more of a fear rather than a truth.
To be able to realistically assess one’s situation, to self-reflect, to recognize that something isn’t
right, to reach out, to admit one’s own fallibility, to not deny the reality one is experiencing” are all higher
level capacities which suggest one certainly isn’t “crazy”. In fact, those who recognize
they are having difficulty and who seek help are usually healthier than those who do not.
MYTH 2:
“I should be able to solve my own problems” I would venture to say that most people basically do solve their own problems. However, the mind and the unconscious
is a very complex entity. Unconscious means not in one’s awareness. The
unconscious is a very powerful influence in one’s experience of the world and how one responds to the challenges in
life. The more aware one becomes of unconscious influences, connections and motivations, the
better able one is to make better decisions and choices.
How long does therapy last? There are no formulas for determining the length
of treatment. This often depends on the client’s needs, particular issues and personal goals, the
client’s life circumstances/stage, the therapist’s treatment modality, and financial/insurance issues.
Therapy can range from a one hour session to many years. Sometimes a client may have a pressing issue/situational stress which needs no more than a session
or two to resolve. Sometimes a client may need short-term support during a crisis – for instance
a career decision, a move, a divorce, or a loss. Some clients may desire brief (8-12 weeks) behavioral
intervention aimed at symptom reduction, for instance, anxiety. Other clients may benefit from on-going
psychotherapy aimed at exploring repetitive patterns in relationships, maladaptive behavior patterns, increasing interpersonal
competence, emotional awareness and coping skills.
How do
I know I'm getting better? Depending on what brings a client in for treatment, a client should experience
a reduction in symptom intensity and frequency in about 6-12 weeks. Therapy is an intricate process which
impacts one's sense of well-being in many ways and many areas of one's life. If a client’s
issues are longstanding and require developing new response patterns, or identifying underlying unconscious influences, therapy
can take 6-12 months or longer. Your therapist will work with you to develop a treatment plan, with specific goals and
time frames to complete those goals. You and your therapist should review your treatment goals at regular intervals
to determine if you are making progress and to modify the plan if needed. There are numerous assessment tools which can be
used to assess symptoms and progress. It is important to note that progress has much to do with how much work you put
into your therapy both in and outside of sessions, keeping your appointments, and following through with treatment recommendations.
Arriving soon: Confidentiality:
Types of Psychotherapy Medication: What happens in a therapy session?
Developing
Supports:
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
