FAQs
Why do people decide to begin therapy?
The reasons vary. It might be that there's a crisis situation, which is outside their range of understanding and/or their ability to cope. It might instead be a more chronic situation, which has worn them down. They need support and a different understanding of options that are open to them. Another possibility is that they have the basics pretty well under control, but realize that time is going by too quickly. They want to be more fulfilled, more balanced, and more excited by life. They want a fresh perspective on life's possibilities.
How long do people stay in therapy?
This is a very individual issue. The length of therapy is based on many things: the intensity of the original situation, how much support the client has outside of therapy, the amount of past trauma and healing, the goals that the client has for therapy, how motivated the client might be, etc. The goal is always empowerment of the client, to prepare them to leave therapy much more able to face life's difficulties from a position of strength.
What is the responsibility of the client?
All the client needs is a willingness to develop a trusting relationship with the therapist, an openness to gaining new perspectives on life, an acceptance of personal power for the choices he/she makes - and has made in the past - and the motivation to change the future.
What is the responsibility of the therapist?
The therapist must be educated, trained, and experienced in the area of the client's issues. The therapist must protect confidentiality whenever possible, and create an atmosphere of emotional safety for the client.
What if the client isn't comfortable with the therapist?
If at any time, the client has concerns about the client/therapist relationship, or the individual therapist, the therapist is ethically required to assist the client with referrals to other therapists. Sometimes the fit just isn't right. Don't stay in therapy with someone who makes you uncomfortable in any way.
*If you have any further questions, please call me at: 805-569-0264 or email me at: linda@counselinginsb.com.