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Starting therapy is a significant and often intimidating decision. Typically, this step is taken because you are navigating serious difficulties in your life. This could involve struggles in your relationships\u2014with a partner, parents, or peers\u2014or perhaps you are coping with a recent traumatic event, depression, or anxiety. It\u2019s safe to say that most people seeking therapy are not feeling entirely happy or content with their current situation. If you\u2019re considering therapy, you might feel uncertain and wonder, \u2018How do I know if I need therapy?\u2019 We can provide you guidance by answering some of the Frequently Asked Questions.<\/span><\/p>\n Therapy provides a safe space to talk with a mental health professional to:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It is done in a way that offers support and guidance to help the client reach their full potential and achieve emotional wellbeing. <\/span>There are different <\/span>modalities <\/span>depending on the presenting issue and the client\u2019s individual makeup.<\/span><\/p>\n If you are open to talking to someone in a safe space and want to improve your relationships and your emotional wellbeing, you should go to therapy. Therapy is most effective when you are open to the process of being vulnerable and willing to make changes.<\/span><\/p>\n Here are some initial factors to consider when looking for a therapist:<\/span><\/p>\n Once your loved one has decided they want to go to therapy, you can absolutely help them find a therapist who is a good fit. What does not work is trying to convince someone to go to therapy if they are not ready.<\/span><\/p>\n It depends on your presenting issue (why you are seeking therapy). If you have addiction issues, it is highly recommended that you see someone with that specialty. If you are going with your partner, seeing a trained <\/span>couples therapist<\/span> is the best option. For more generalized needs, it is fine to see any therapist, provided they are a licensed clinician in your state.<\/span><\/p>\n There are many different options to make therapy affordable and accessible. If you are unable to pay for therapy out of pocket, many therapists accept health insurance. You can find those therapists through your insurance. Many therapists also have sliding scales for middle and lower income individuals and couples.<\/span><\/p>\n The first session of therapy is dedicated to the therapist introducing themselves and how they practice. The therapist will conduct an assessment, asking you many questions to get to know you better and understand your situation.<\/span><\/p>\n Only medical doctors can prescribe medication, so unless you are seeing a psychiatrist, your therapist will not be able\u00a0 to prescribe medication directly. However, if they think it is needed, they can refer you to a psychiatrist for a medication consultation.<\/span><\/p>\n First of all, you should always check your state or country\u2019s licensing board to ensure the therapist is licensed as a mental health professional and does not have any complaints against them. There are many ethical guidelines that therapists must adhere to regarding the relationship with their clients and how they practice. There are strict boundaries around having\u00a0 relationships with clients outside of the therapeutic one,\u00a0 rules about confidentiality, financial agreements and many more. If something doesn\u2019t feel right, trust your <\/span>judgment and check in with the state licensing board or another trusted professional.<\/span><\/p>\n There is no definitive end for therapy. However, the goal of every therapist is to work themselves out of a job. That means they are working with you to achieve wellbeing and stability where they no longer need to be in therapy.\u00a0 This can be anywhere from a few months to a few years.<\/span><\/p>\n Here are some signs that indicate you might benefit from therapy:<\/span><\/p>\n The 2 year rule in therapy refers to the ethical standard of prohibiting therapists from engaging in sexual and romantic relationships with clients within 2 years of terminating therapy. However, most ethics boards would discourage therapists from ever having an intimate relationship with a former client.<\/span><\/p>\n Most therapists will provide a free 15 minute consultation to determine whether they are a good fit for you. Aside from that, there are no free sessions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you need couples therapy, we highly recommend working with a Certified Gottman Therapist since the <\/span>method is research based<\/span> and the training is rigorous and specialized for couples. If you are unsure if you are ready for couples therapy, there are other products and psychoeducational experiences that we offer that will give you a sense of what therapy might look like.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nWhat Is Therapy?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Should I Go to Therapy?<\/span><\/h2>\n
What\u2019s the First Step in Looking for a Therapist?<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Can I Help a Loved One Find a Therapist?<\/span><\/h2>\n
What Type of Therapy Is Right for Me?<\/span><\/h2>\n
Will I Be Able to Afford Therapy?<\/span><\/h2>\n
What Happens in the First Session of Therapy?<\/span><\/h2>\n
Will I Receive Medication If I Go to Therapy?<\/span><\/h2>\n
What Are the Red Flags of an Unqualified or Unethical Therapist?<\/span><\/h2>\n
When Does Therapy End?<\/span><\/h2>\n
What Are the Signs I Need Therapy?<\/span><\/h2>\n
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What Is the 2 Year Rule in Therapy?<\/span><\/h2>\n
Can I Speak to a Therapist for Free?<\/span><\/h2>\n
How Can We Help You?<\/span><\/h2>\n