FAQs

What should I expect from therapy?

Participating in therapy may result in a number of benefits. Therapists can provide support to reduce stress and anxiety, decrease negative thoughts, enhance coping strategies and problem solving skills and increase functioning in social, school and family settings. 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. 

Participating in therapy may also involve some discomfort, including remembering and discussing unpleasant events, feelings and experiences. This discomfort may also extend to other family members, as they may be asked to address difficult issues and family dynamics. The process may evoke strong feelings of sadness, anger, fear, etc. There may be times in which a therapist may challenge the perceptions and assumptions of the client or family members and offer other different perspectives. The issues present by the client may result in unintended outcomes including changes in personal relationships. 

During the therapeutic process many clients find that they feel worse before they feel better. This is generally a normal course of events. Personal growth and change may be easy and swift at times, but may also be slow and frustrating. The client should address any concerns he/she has regarding progress in therapy with the therapist.

How do I know the therapist is the right match for me?

An initial telephone consultation can provide a personal opportunity to ask questions, learn more about one another and describe what you are hoping to achieve. Does the therapist understand you? Are they empathic? Are they knowledgeable?

The  first three sessions should be an assessment period for both you and the therapist to ensure it’s a good fit. In therapy, you should feel like you can be yourself and honest. Your therapist should create a judgment free zone where you can freely express what you think and feel? Do you feel a good connection with your therapist? 

Here are some additional questions you can ask yourself: Do you find the therapist trustworthy and likable? Does the therapist have expertise in working with issues like yours? How available is the therapist? Do you think the therapist has the potential to provide the help you're looking for?

How long should I attend therapy?

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 your desire for more personal development.  Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually 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 reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives and take responsibility for their lives.  

What if I am in crisis and need immediate help?

If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency, in danger of hurting yourself or others, feeling suicidal, overwhelmed, or in crisis, it’s very important that you get immediate help!

Go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Call 911 for Emergency Services.

Call 988 for Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Call 415.473.6666 for Marin County Crisis Stabilization Unit

Text TEEN to 839863 for teen line.

Text 678678 for The Trevor Project.

Grief counseling hotline 415.499.1195

Domestic violence hotline: 1.800.799.7233

Sexual assault and abuse hotline: 1.800.656.4673

Marin County Children and Family Services Emergency Response Line 1.415.473.7153

Marin County Aging and Adult Line 415.473.4636

Veteran’s Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255

Should we follow one another on social media?

The therapeutic alliance between a client and therapist is collaborative, helpful and professional. People often use social media accounts to share very revealing information about themselves. The American Psychological Association and experts in mental health ethics recommend against clients and therapists being social media friends.

Termination of Therapy

Termination is the term typically used when referring to the end of the psychotherapy relationship. It may occur as your treatment plan is finalizing and you’ve achieved your goals or can happen for various reasons. How a therapeutic relationship has important ends can have strong implications. Addressing endings from the beginning and on an ongoing basis through treatment can help ensure that therapy ends in a healthy and appropriate manner.