FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect in my first therapy session?
In the first few sessions (1-4), you will tell your story, determine the goodness of fit between yourself and your therapist, discuss goals and treatment plans, and build rapport. Effective long-term progress occurs after these items are established and cannot occur without them.
The Treatment Phase:
After the first few sessions, active engagement in the treatment goals and plan begins. This varies depending on the client’s presenting problem and the therapist’s training and clinical orientation.
In these sessions, you will work toward gaining insights, learning skills, expressing emotions, and more, which will help you make progress and see progress for long-term change. The therapist can guide you, but you are responsible for engaging in the practice. Your progress is directly related to your commitment to work outside the therapy sessions.
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
Having a good fit makes a significant difference in making progress in therapy. It is recommended that you give your therapist 2-3 visits to find a connection unless you can tell immediately that the personality fit is not going to click, in which case it makes the most sense to make a switch at that time.
Do I need a referral to start therapy?
No, you do not need a referral to start therapy.
How often will we meet?
Weekly sessions for the first 2 months are highly recommended and can be reassessed at that time.
Some clients with more complex or severe symptoms may benefit from a higher frequency.
We would like to help you progress in your goals, and a reduced frequency from the start is an unfortunate way to reduce the likelihood of progress and success in therapy. Your therapist will discuss with you if a different frequency is recommended.
Is what I tell my therapist confidential?
The law generally protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.
Are there any limits to confidentiality?
Yes, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. These exceptions include:
Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately. You will be fully aware of the report.
If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
Suppose a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will try to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.
Can my family members access my therapy information?
No, your family doesn’t have access to your therapy information unless you sign a release of information.
How long does therapy usually last?
The length of the therapy cycle, from start to finish, depends on many factors. Questions to ask yourself: How long has this problem been occurring? How ingrained are my habits related to this problem? Has this problem ever had flair-ups after periods of feeling better? Suppose your presenting problem is related to a relatively new situation and set of symptoms that you have never experienced in your history and have relatively little to no habits associated with this. In that case, your cycle may be short (a few months). However, if you have long-term concerns, please recognise that therapy will help you experience and maintain long-term progress, which will take time. Therapists may give you a timeframe. Still, they cannot guarantee any specific timeframe as progress is predominantly determined based on how much effort is made to engage differently daily or even minute-to-minute outside of the office, based on what you learn in the appointments.