Who Can Be Helped By Psychotherapy?
The easy answer to this one is “Almost anyone who really wants to change!” Participation in psychotherapy can be helpful to those who truly want to enhance the quality of their lives. Reasons people may choose to participate include:
- Wanting to achieve a greater sense of emotional balance instead of letting some emotions (such as anxiety, blues, irritability, or mood swings) get the best of them.
- Needing help adjusting to challenging life changes such as relational break-ups, death of a loved one, health or career changes, etc.
- Inability to break some unhealthy relational patterns.
- Wanting to make behavioral or thinking changes, but seemingly being unable to do so.
- Struggling with the after-effects of some emotional injuries from childhood or adolescence.
( Please also see the tab for “Couples’ Therapy”.)
Who Can Be Helped By Coaching?
- People who want to make behavioral or thinking changes
- People who need help adjusting to life-transitions
- People who want to change unhealthy relationship patterns
- People who feel “stuck” and want to move themselves forward
(Please see also the tab for “Couples’ Coaching”.)
What Is the Process of Therapy Like?
I see psychotherapy as a contractual partnership between us. You set your own long-term and short-term goals. Some clients come with very specific desires to change emotional, thinking, and/ or behavioral patterns. Other clients come to have a compassionate place in which to adjust to losses or changes. For others there may be a need to address present or past loss or trauma which is affecting their current quality of life. Many clients come with concerns about the relationships in their lives. Some people come to have a special time and safe place weekly for support and advocacy. Sessions begin topically with whatever your concerns are that day.
I am only licensed to do therapy in the state of Tennessee whether that be in person, by phone or by secure video.
Will I Have To Take Medication?
I am not a physician and therefore cannot prescribe medication. Many clients can make the changes they want without it. However, medication may be very helpful when someone’s ability to function is significantly impaired by his or her emotional or cognitive states. In such a case, I can, at your request, make a referral to a physician, or coordinate treatment by staying in contact with your physician. Of course, this can only be done with your signed permission. You and your doctor can decide together if medication is to be used short-term or longer.
What is the Process of Coaching Like?
Coaching is also a contractual relationship where you set your own goals. Coaching, however is done in a much more structured, time-limited fashion than psychotherapy. After the first session or two, most sessions begin by checking in regarding how you are doing with the goals you set at the last session. My role is not that of “task mistress” but rather of a helpful assistant in your exploration and movement.
As a certified life-coach, I can work with anyone in the USA and in some foreign countries.
How Often Should We Meet and for How Long?
Usually the first three psychotherapy sessions are of an assessment nature in that you and I are getting acquainted and you are sharing relevant history, goals, etc. After that, the frequency of sessions is up to you. Most find that it is helpful to participate in therapy weekly, particularly at first, and may over time choose to taper off as needs are met. My door is, however, always open for “booster” work upon request. I find that most clients know when their work is done. I have worked with people who have come for months, some for years, and some who finish and then pop-in occasionally as needed.
Coaching sessions are most often sold in 4-session blocks. People usually participate in coaching twice a month or weekly. Coaching usually ends when the client and coach decide the goals have been met and no new ones need to be established. My door is always open for additional work with coaching clients as well.
(For further information on the differences in Therapy and Coaching, please see the tab for “Rates and Insurance”.)