I’m not crazy-why would I need therapy?
Therapy isn’t just for the severely mentally ill. In fact, the vast majority of people who pursue counseling are normal, healthy people who happen to hit a rough patch in life, or merely successful individuals who need feedback from an objective observer. Virtually all of us at some point experience life problems we can’t solve. The question is, are you willing to put up with the pain or depression in the hopes that your problem will go away, or would you rather start doing something to make yourself happier?
How do I find the right therapist for me?
No one therapist will meet everyone’s unique set of needs. In addition, every therapist has a slightly different style, and you will find that you click with some, while others may leave you feeling bored, confused, or irritated. You may want to interview a few therapists to ensure you find one who is competent and who also meets your specific needs.
A few questions you may want to address before contacting potential therapists include:
What level of licensure and education do you want?
Do you prefer that your therapist be male or female, or does it matter to you?
Does it matter to you how many years of experience the person has?
Do you want a listening-based style, or do you prefer a style of therapy where the therapist is more active?
Do you prefer an individual, couples, family or group format?
If I’m entering therapy, will I need medication?
Often medication is helpful when used in conjunction with therapy, however not all people require medication to get better. Determining what is appropriate for you will require an assessment by a physician or psychiatrist, and we frequently refer clients for medical evaluations when physiological factors are indicated in their treatment. Psychologists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, and Licensed Professional Counselors provide psychotherapy and counseling but do not prescribe medications.
When is the right time to pursue therapy?
Many people wait until a crisis occurs before considering counseling, saying to themselves. Oh it is not that bad until small problems grow into big ones. The disadvantage of this approach is that problems tend to grow increasingly complex over time they rarely just go away by themselves. In the case of a relational conflict, if left unaddressed, problems become compounded by bitterness, frustration and resentment until they may appear insurmountable. The key is to address problems before they become overwhelming. If responded to early, problems in communication or decision-making can often be resolved quickly and painlessly in a few sessions.
Can I attend more than one group each week to finish more quickly?
Although we understand the desire to finish quickly, we cannot shorten the length of your group program. All program lengths have been determined based upon research that shows a given amount of time is best suited to truly facilitate change. Change takes time. In addition, some programs must abide by guidelines set by the State of Georgia in relation to the number of weeks required.