How do I know if therapy is right for me and how do I find the right therapist?
While psychotherapy is becoming increasingly sought-after, it is not for everyone. However as with many things, you may need to give it a try before you will know if it is something you would like to pursue. You should have a good feeling after your first session, and it is perfectly okay to decide that it is not for you. Since much of your outcome in therapy will depend on your level of disclosure and honesty, it is very important that you connect with, as well as trust your therapist. Just because a therapist holds a certain degree or license, doesn't necessarily mean that you will fit with their personality. While psychologists may hold minimal variation in the diagnosis stage, their style and treatment approach can vary significantly. This is why it is not a good idea to dismiss the therapy process after meeting with only one therapist. You may have to meet with a couple different therapists before you find the right fit.
Some helpful things to consider when looking for a therapist:
Gender-do I want to see a male or a female?
Do I need a specialist? (i.e. eating disorder, substance abuse)
Ask around. A friend or family member who can recommend their therapist is a great way to know that someone you trust already likes and approves of someone
What is their approach? Find out their theoretical orientation and do a little research
Before you meet your therapist for the first time, decide what's important to you and ask questions
What can I expect at my first session?
It is a good idea to arrive 15 minutes prior to your first session to complete forms and paperwork. Try to think of your first session as an interview for both you and your therapist. Your first session can oftentimes feel a bit unnatural since you're essentially talking to a stranger about your personal life. It's okay. This is quite common and is most peoples' experience. But while it may feel that way at first, if you and your therapist are a good fit, you might surprise yourself with how quickly you become comfortable. The first session will usually involve expressing what brought you into the therapy process, and discussing your goals with your therapist.
What is therapy like?
Since each person has different motivations and goals for seeking therapy, their experiences are inevitably going to vary as well. In general, therapy should feel like a safe place for you to come and discuss whatever you need or want to discuss. While your therapist can guide you and steer you into the direction of your goals, you can expect that for the most part, you will be doing most of the talking. Typically, people discuss the current events happening in their lives, personal history relevant to their issue, or progression and/or setbacks relative to their goals. Therapy can be effective on both a short-term or long-term basis and so depending upon your needs, either option may be appropriate. Regardless of the duration of therapy, it is well established that weekly sessions yield the most effective, long-lasting outcomes. Your regular participation in the process is often directly related to your success, and although it may at times be hard work, the payoffs can be remarkable. Because the ultimate goal of therapy is to incorporate what you've learned in sessions into your everyday life, your active participation is very important. Overall, many people view attending therapy as "a good thing," in their lives and find their participation worthwhile.
How available are you to me between sessions?
In general, any contact with your therapist remains during your scheduled sessions. In cases where phone contact is part of your treatment plan, fees will apply and this can be discussed at the onset of your treatment to establish mutual boundaries. In the event of an emergency, contact 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room. If you are unsure of the nature of your emergency and you feel you need to contact your therapist between sessions and after hours, please call (312) 515-7478.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor, went to medical school, and holds a medical degree (M.D. or D.O.). They are considered specialists and their primary role in mental health care is to manage the medication aspect of treatment. Primary care physicians will often refer patients to a psychiatrist when either the severity of the condition or number of medications requires the management of a psychiatrist.
A psychologist is a licensed professional who holds at least a master's degree, and more often a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. Psychologists are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat psychological, behavioral, and cognitive disorders such as: developmental disorders (i.e. autism), diseases of aging (i.e. dementia), and mood disorders (i.e. anxiety with panic), to name a few. More commonly, psychologists provide psychotherapy as a popular form of treatment, however some psychiatrists may offer this as well.
Psychotherapy vs. Medication?
It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems cannot be solved by medication alone. Many well-known studies for the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) provides robust research that therapy (often cognitive-behavioral therapy) provides superior outcomes as well as longer-lasting benefits when compared to medication alone. This is because therapy addresses the underlying cognitive and behavioral patterns that can be maintaining your symptoms. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what is best for you, and in some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action.
Does what we discuss in therapy remain confidential?
Confidentiality is the foundation for the client-therapist relationship, and it revered to be one of the most important components of the therapy process. A successful therapy process requires a high degree of trust with regard to highly personal subject matter that you bring into therapy. This includes dialogue, emails, letters, body language, nonverbal behavior-anything that you say or do is considered confidential and is respected as such. You should be comfortable and confident that the interactions you have with your therapist are kept private and will not be shared with anyone. This is referred to as "Informed Consent" and is a confidentiality agreement that you and your therapist enter into at the onset of therapy. In the event you choose to share information (i.e. to a physician or psychiatrist to coordinate your care, etc.), specific permission must be obtained by you first in order for your therapist to release information. Legally and ethically, your therapist will not and cannot disclose information pertaining to your records unless permission is obtained from you directly. There are some exceptions however and these include:
1) If the therapist has reasonable information to support suspicion that the client may harm themselves, or has expressed or demonstrated the intent to harm another person.
2) If the therapist learns or suspects of past or present abuse and/or neglect to a minor (person 18 years or younger), in which case the therapist is legally mandated to report such suspicion to the appropriate authorities. In such an event, the client will be encouraged to participate in the reporting process, as encouraged by the American Psychological Association ethics committee.
3) If the therapist is contracted to perform services (e.g. an evaluation, testimony) under issue/subpoena by a court order (e.g. the client is being charged with a crime).
4) If the identified client is an employer who is requesting evaluation on a employee. In such cases, the employee will be fully informed what portions of the evaluation/testing will be disclosed to the requesting party or parties prior to the evaluation/testing.
If I use my insurance, will my employers have knowledge of my participation in therapy?
Information shared and discussed in session is not added to your medical record and cannot be released to any third party without your consent. Psychologists abide by state HIPAA laws and regulations. As a result, employers do not have access to diagnostic codes, frequency of services, or the like. If you have a specific concern about your employer, please contact Erica with any questions.
