FAQ

Do I need therapy?

Answer:

There are stigmas and myths concerning therapy that can be difficult for individuals seeking help to overcome. Some people think therapy is for only “crazy” individuals, or that seeking help is a sign of weakness. These are not true. Actually, the ability to seek help and support when we need it is one of the most important coping skills and is a sign of personal strength. Throughout daily life we all experience stress, losses, grief, relationship problems, and uncomfortable feelings. Sometimes we can resolve those issues by ourselves, and sometimes we can’t. When we can't resolve the issues alone, we continue to suffer day after day. Those problems may extent to all areas of our life and worsen if one does not seek and receive help. The earlier we come for help, the easier problems are to resolve, and the less long term damage a particular problem can produce.

Typical signs that you may need therapy:

• Your feelings become too intense and are difficult for you to manage
• You can’t stop thinking about something that make you feel worse
• You are getting constant negative feedback from work or concerns from your friends and family
• You've lost interest in previously enjoyable activities
• You are using substance to relax
• Your relationships are failing

How many sessions do I need?

A precise number is difficult to predict. Each individual as well as his/her issue is different. The answer depends on many factors such as in what pace a client is able to work through the problems, how far a client wants to go, how deep the issues are rooted, and what kinds of results are desired. You may have a specific question to which you can find an answer in a few sessions and be satisfied at that moment, or you may find more complex issues in a process that need to be addressed. Therapy works not only for resolving surface issues, but can help a client to understand herself/himself better, to develop awareness and use these introspective skills to solve the problems in the future without a therapist. Also, therapy facilitates desired personal growth. Most clients are able see some positive changes in their condition and feel much better a few sessions, notice real positive changes in life within about six months, but to achieve permanent and deeper results, rooted at the personality level, most people may need more than a year.

How do I know whether a therapist is a good fit for me?

The magic of therapy based very much on an open relationships between therapist and client. This part is very important, but is also totally subjective. Being able to trust and feel comfortable with each other are the most important factors for the effectiveness of therapy for both the client and the therapist as well. As we choose our hairstylist, auto mechanic, dentist or doctor based on our own subjective scales and indicators that matter for us, such as credentials, experience, sympathy, culture, level of comfort, or perhaps totally intuitively (each of us may have different indicators of preferences). The same mechanism works here. You and your therapist may or may not be good fit, but you will know that soon after therapy begins. Of course, you will feel comfortable or you won't.

Will the information in sessions be confidential?

Yes, all therapists are required by law and professional ethics to keep the contents of the sessions confidential, but there are few exceptions.

• If you use a health insurance, some basic information on your diagnosis and treatment progress must be reported to the insurance provider.
• If there is a risk of suicide or homicide, the therapist is obligated to use the information to protect client or others from harm. The therapist will inform the client about those actions prior.
• If the client gives a written permission to disclose any kind of information about the treatment.
• If the information is requested by a Court of Law upon issuance of a warrant, therapist will have to share what is specifically requested but limited to as little information about the client as legally possible. The client must be informed prior to any such disclosure by the therapist.

How does online/virtual counseling work?

I conduct counseling sessions through video-conferencing technology which very much resembles face-to-face counseling in the office and can be as effective as traditional counseling, although online counseling has its benefits and limitations.

Benefits of online/distance counseling:

• Clients may receive professional services while sitting at home regardless of geographical location.
• It is excellent for clients who have busy schedules, travel often, live in areas with limited counseling resources or have any other limitations which hinder traditional face-to-face visits.
• Saves money and time for traveling.
• Clients and therapists may be more flexible with choosing a time for a session.
• Shy clients may be more willing to seek help.
• Clients have greater sense of control during the session.

Limitations of distance counseling:

• May sometimes lack visual and/or audio cues which may cause misunderstanding.
• May have disruptions in the service and quality of the technology used.
• May not be appropriate if the client is having a crisis, acute psychosis, or experiencing suicidal or homicidal thoughts.