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If you’re asking that question, you’re probably considering seeing a therapist. This means that you are concerned enough about something that you’ve thought about seeking help. In the past, therapists only worked with very serious illnesses, but this is not the case today. With our better understanding of mental health, therapists now help with a wide variety of issues.
What will friends and family think?
Hopefully, they’ll be glad you’re taking care of yourself. Most physicians, community agencies, and members of the clergy refer people very frequently for psychotherapy. Your friends and family may be seeing a therapist, and you don’t even know it!
Will I have to talk about things I don’t want to?
The short answer is no. A good therapist doesn’t force clients into talking about anything specific. Establishing a trusting relationship with your therapist will be helpful when discussing difficult things.
What happens in a therapy session?
Sometimes clients come to sessions with an agenda or something they want to talk about. Other times, they come in with an emotion, a thought, a story, or a success. Each session progresses based upon the needs of each of my clients.
Who will know I’m in therapy?
Our therapy relationship is strictly confidential. I cannot reveal any information about your treatment or even that you are a client of mine without written consent from you. I will never tell anyone that you are in therapy or a client of mine unless you tell me otherwise.
How do you choose a therapist?
Therapy involves a large commitment of time, money, and energy, so you should be very careful about the therapist you select. Although credentials, training, and experience are important, by far the most important factor is whether you feel you can connect with that person.
- Is the therapist licensed?
- Does the therapist have training and experience in the issues of interest to me?
- Does the therapist show an interest in and understanding of my concerns?
- Is the therapist able to talk to me in a language I can understand?
- Does the therapist explain how he or she would work with me?
- What is a Clinical Social Worker?
Clinical social workers provide mental health services to prevent, diagnose, and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders in individuals, families, and groups. Their goal is to enhance and maintain their patients’ physical, psychological, and social functions.
Educational Requirements
Clinical social workers must have a master’s or doctorate in social work, with an emphasis on clinical experience. They must undergo a supervised clinical field internship and have at least 2 years of postgraduate supervised clinical social work employment. Clinical social workers are approved providers in most insurance and managed care plans and practice in the following settings:
- Private practice
- Medical facilities (e.g., hospitals)
- Mental health clinics
- Child welfare agencies
- Schools
- Community organizations
- Places of employment
Clinical social workers may be licensed by the state in which they practice. Requirements are prescribed by state law and include education, supervision, experience, and a written examination.
What happens in therapy?
During sessions, you are expected to talk about your concerns and issues, and between sessions, think about what was discussed. At times, you may be asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading something or keeping records.
For therapy to “work,” you must be an active participant, both in and outside therapy sessions.
Can I decide to stop Therapy?
You have the right to stop therapy at any time without further financial, legal, or moral obligations other than those already incurred. However, it is a good idea to discuss your plans to end therapy well in advance so that you and I can discuss your progress and wrap up any loose ends. The longer we have worked together, the more sessions we should plan to use to bring our work to a close.
Some people decide to stop suddenly if difficult issues come up in therapy or with the therapist. Rather than just quitting at such times, it is best to discuss your feelings with your therapist.
What if I feel therapy isn’t going well, or I can’t afford it and have to stop?
If, for any reason, you decide to terminate therapy before your goals have been satisfactorily achieved, be sure to talk with me about why you wish to end prematurely.
I want what is best for you, and if something isn’t working for us, perhaps I can refer you to another therapist. Or, if financial or other difficulties have arisen, perhaps you and I can find a solution that will allow you to continue therapy.
Thank you for visiting.