That’s a very good question. Counseling and therapy are just different words for the same thing. Counseling and therapy can be many things to many people, but basically it happens when a person seeks the help of someone who is specially trained to listen and to help people figure things out. During the process, sometimes a person may be learning new ways to look at situations or new ways to react to them. All of this happens in the RELATIONSHIP. That’s you and me working together in an honest, non-judgmental way. I promise that I won’t judge you, and you promise to be truthful. Together we will find a way to make you feel better.
Since people come to therapy for many different reasons (fears and worries, feeling down, anger, stress, and just not feeling ‘right’) there is no set routine or pattern. In addition, there are many different forms of therapy (Insight, Psychodynamic, Object Relations, Cognitive/Behavioral, Cognitive, Behavioral Modification, Gestalt, Hypnotherapy, RET, just to name a few), and we may touch on many of them.
But first of all, we will sit down and discuss what is happening and how you feel. I may give you some inventories to fill out in my office or at home. Then you and I will talk about your goals and what you want from therapy. Sometimes I may ask you to do experiments or other forms of exercises in order to reach your goals. Other times I may ask you to read something or give you a handout to read. We will see what works best for you and your needs and goals. Everyone is different.
Some people only want a safe place to talk about their fears or what has been upsetting to them. While others want to actively learn better ways of communication and emotional control, others want to learn parenting skills and problem solving. Many people just want to understand themselves better. As we get to know each other and work on one set of goals, the goals may change because you change or you get to know yourself better. Together we form a plan. One thing to remember is that I am only a Guide in this process; you will be doing all the work. And therapy is work if there is to be change.
You may wonder how long and how often you will come to therapy. Once again, everyone is different, but usually we will meet every week or every other week. Sessions are 45 to 50 minutes long. A few sessions may be sufficient or we may see each other for a long time. When it is time to end our work together, you and I will discuss when and how to end. Remember, that the door is always open in the future for a “refresher”. Or we may schedule periodic “check-ups”. It is up to you.
I hope this has answered some of your questions as well as some of your family’s questions. I look forward to working with you.
DR. TRISHA
