Why see a Marriage and Family Therapist?
According to the American Assoc. of Marriage and Family therapists – Research studies repeatedly demonstrate the effectiveness of marriage and family therapy in treating the full range of mental and emotional disorders and health problems. Drug abuse, depression, alcoholism, obesity and dementia in the elderly — as well as marital distress and conflict — are just some of the conditions Marriage and Family Therapists effectively treat.
Studies also show that clients are highly satisfied with services of Marriage and Family Therapists. Clients report marked improvement in work productivity, co-worker relationships, family relationships, partner relationships, emotional health, overall health, social life, and community involvement.
In a recent study, consumers report that marriage and family therapists are the mental health professionals they would most likely recommend to friends. Over 98 percent of clients of marriage and family therapists report therapy services as good or excellent.
After receiving treatment, almost 90% of clients report an improvement in their emotional health, and nearly two-thirds report an improvement in their overall physical health. A majority of clients report an improvement in their functioning at work, and over three-fourths of those receiving marital/couples or family therapy report an improvement in the couple relationship. Marriage and family therapists are licensed in 46 states and are recognized by the federal government as members of a distinct mental health discipline.
What if I am not married or I want individual therapy?
As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I also provide therapy for individuals as well as couples and families.
What about privacy?
All of our conversations are completely confidential (except where mandated otherwise by law, as in the case of child abuse or imminent danger to yourself or others).
How does counseling work?
First, an individual, or couple decides that they want to counsel. Here are just some of the situations and feelings that bring people to therapy:
- Feeling stressed, depressed, or hopeless
- Feeling sad and discouraged about your relationships or lack of one
- Experiencing loneliness and isolation
- Feeling trapped in a self-destructive cycle that merely encourages overindulgence in food or substances
- Feeling unhappy about your marriage or your dating relationship
- Going through a divorce or separation
- Feeling concerned about alcohol or drug use
- Dealing with a spouse who is an addict
- Having experienced a major injury or illness in the past
- Having eating, sleeping or sexual problems
- Being involved in an abusive relationship
- Feeling anxious or out of control at times
- Experiencing debilitating fear, anger, or guilt
- Experiencing profound and frequent mood swings
- Feeling like you are wasting your life
- Behaving in self-destructive ways
- Having a persistent conflict with co-workers
- Wondering about your direction and meaning of your life
- Hating or disliking yourself
- Feeling deep dissatisfaction with your job
- Having unexplained fatigue or lack of motivation
- Feeling like you can’t talk about your pain to anyone
Next, the individual or couple, can call or email to schedule an initial appointment. During that first meeting, I work with them to gather information and their personal history, in order to develop a plan to meet their needs.
How do I know I need therapy?
It is difficult to know because there are no clear answers. If your life is somehow less than you expect – for instance, you often have a sense that you are not living up to your full potential, or you have somehow missed out on something in your life – then you might want to make an appointment and explore these feelings and questions. For example, if you feel depressed or anxious, that indicates that something is wrong, and it would be important to look into those feelings and find out their root causes.
How often should I come to therapy?
For therapy to be effective, weekly sessions are recommended. Most clients attend weekly, which is usually my initial recommendation. Having weekly sessions helps to build the relationship and get some therapeutic momentum rolling. However, this is not mandatory, and we can make this decision together during our first meeting. Factors that might be considered include scheduling problems, financial concerns, and the therapeutic intensity desired.
How long will I need to be in therapy?
This is completely up to you! Some people come to therapy with a very specific focus and goal in mind, and once reached, feel done. Others wish to enter into a more long-term therapeutic relationship focusing on long-standing problems such as resolving childhood issues, relationship issues, etc. I have some clients who come just for one session, and others with whom I have worked for two years or longer. When a client feels that their goals are met, therapy stops; there is no right or wrong length of therapy
What forms of payment do you accept?
Your insurance may cover some or all of my services. Please check with your insurance company. Also, I accept, cash, check, and credit cards.
How do I make an appointment or get more information?
You can make an appointment by calling my office at 541-520-1535.