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Hart to Heart Counseling
How can therapy help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, past trauma, substance abuse, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
1) Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
2) Developing skills for improving your relationships
3) Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
4) Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
5) Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
6) Improving communications and listening skills
7) Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
8) Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
9) Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
10) Becoming more effective in what matters to you
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?
People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts, and creative blocks. Therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and want to be more effective.
What is therapy like?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly or bi-weekly).
It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process - such as trying different approaches, noting particular behaviors, or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives and are open to new perspectives.
What about medication vs. psychotherapy?
It is well established that medication and psychotherapy compliment one another in many circumstances. In some cases, both together are more effective than either alone. Every case is unique, however, medication management and psychotherapy go hand in hand, to help support you in achieving your goals in life. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.
Do you take insurance, and how does that work?
Hart to Heart Counseling is in-network for most insurance companies and employee assistance programs. After completing the cost analysis worksheet, we will determine benefits and grants to give you your cost and coverage. There are no guessing and surprises with Hart to Heart Counseling. We vow to not have cost be an obstacle to mental health services and do not take individuals to collection.
Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and counselor. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team, but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission. State law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
* If they suspect child or elderly abuse or neglect based on information provided by the client.
* If I have reason to suspect the client will seriously harm their self or others.
* If court ordered, then only the requested specific information will be given.
* If the insurance company that pays for benefits requests records.
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