A BIT ABOUT THERAPY
Perhaps you're a new mom and trying to navigate the postpartum period and adjusting to this new rolet. Maybe you feel sad, overwhelmed, anxious, and you don't feel like your usual self. Or maybe you are going through a big transition in life that you'd like to work through. Whatever it is, I am here to offer support. Therapy is a process of growth and self-discovery, and in my sessions I will work with you to help you meet your wellness goals. Something that is important to keep in mind that therapy is not a magic pill or a quick fix: therapy is a healing process which requires participation and investment from not just me, but you as well. Making small changes in the beginning will ultimately lead to big changes in the end!
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THERAPY
HOW DOES THERAPY HELP AND WHAT KIND OF BENEFITS CAN I EXPECT FROM THERAPY?
Sometimes it takes the help of a professional who can give a different yet helpful perspective. I can help guide you through the process of self-discovery, awareness, or making necessary changes you may not have been able to figure out on your own. Sometimes just having a "safe place" to process your feelings and emotions and know that they will be validated is a huge benefit of therapy in itself.
Here are some other possible benefits you can expect to get out of therapy:
-
Ways to cope that are effective
-
Self-awareness-learning more about who you are
-
Positive coping skills
-
The ability to become resilient
-
Setting and achieving goals that are important to you
-
Learning how to better manage and cope with stress, anxiety, depression or other life issues
-
Improving your self-confidence
-
Healthy friendships/relationships
-
Learning ways to set healthy boundaries
-
Ways to communicate in a healthy and effective (assertive) way
-
A life that is more enjoyable
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT ON MY FIRST VISIT?
On your first visit I will get to know and learn more about you. An assessment will be completed in which I will gather information about what you are seeking therapy for as well as information about your behavioral, relationship, family, and general life history. At the next appointment we will discuss your goals for therapy and identify a plan of how to achieve these goals.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A THERAPY SESSION? WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
Therapy sessions are typically scheduled for 50 minutes, however they can be scheduled for a longer duration if requested or if there is a need. Most likely sessions will be scheduled on a once a week basis which is deemed as most effective. There may be times when there is a need to meet more than once a week such as a crisis that occurs. During a therapy session the expectation is to discuss the concerns and issues that you have. There may be times when there are "homework" or reflection assignments given to you to complete between sessions. Therapy requires work during and outside of therapy sessions in order for substantial progress to take place.
IS THERAPY CONFIDENTIAL?
In most cases therapy is confidential and there are laws in place that make this a requirement for providers. There are a few exceptions to this rule:
-
You give written permission. You have the option to sign a consent form to share certain information with a specific person or agency.
-
You express intent to harm yourself or intent to harm another person. It is required that we notify the police and there is a duty to warn the person you intend to harm.
-
There is suspected child or elder abuse. There is a requirement to notify social services.
-
A court order of records in put in place. There are some situations in which someone may be involved in a court case and their record is subpoenaed. In most cases the therapist is required to provide this information.
HOW DO I SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WHENEVER I AM READY TO START THERAPY?
Whenever you feel you are in a good place to start therapy you can send an email to afton@perinatalwellness-support.com or call 980-322-6268. Feel free to contact me with any other questions you might have.