Does therapy mean I am weak?
No one has a life without struggles and judging ourselves for wanting help is common in our culture. While there is no good reason to feel shame or embarrassment about our relationship or personal difficulties, most of us do. Many of us learn or were told that we should be able to solve our own problems. Thus, coming to therapy is a courageous decision because we are extending ourselves outside what is familiar. It means engaging in a thoughtful and sometimes uncomfortable process to create meaning and satisfaction in our lives. Going outside of our comfort zone is not weak, it’s brave.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
Seeking help from a trained mental health professional is distinctly different than getting advice from loved ones. Therapy is a unique relationship. First and foremost, it is a confidential and safe relationship that is free of judgment. This allows you to explore aspects of yourself and your relationships in a manner not always accessible in friendship/familial relationships. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself.
Is couple therapy only for those that are on the brink about to break up?
Couples counseling is for any stage in your relationship. Whether you are
- thinking about marriage and wanting to have tools to maintain a close relationship throughout your future years together
- your relationship has experienced a significant transition, such as, new baby, new job, a move, death of a loved one, illness, retirement, and/or blended with children from previous relationship
- you have experienced relational traumas, such as affairs or betrayals
- you feel lonely or disconnected from your partner for reasons you may or may not be able to identify
Emotionally focused couples counseling has consistently shown that it can help 70% of couples with positive results lasting long after therapy has ended. If you are worried whether you fall into that “70%” or not contact CCT and we can discuss your unique situation.
How does therapy work?
Each session is unique and caters to the specific needs of that couple or individual. However, there is a general format that is helpful to know. In the first session legal documents will be reviewed and the specifics of what brings you to therapy will be highlighted. The next two to five sessions are focused on understanding your unique situation and assessing what patterns are contributing to the issues you raise. At this point CCT is transparent with regards to conceptualization of your situation, treatment plans and interventions. Additionally, as you continue therapy each week, questions, worries or confusion regarding direction of therapy may arise. CCT welcomes the opportunity to have open discussions with you regarding your process, so that this is a collaborative process that empowers you, which is what ultimately leads to growth and change.
How long will therapy take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general questions page. Each person’s circumstances are unique. Some people have a specific issue they are wanting to address while others have more complex situations. Thus, the length of time therapy can take varies and is also significantly influenced by consistency in appointments, participation in therapeutic process, desire for personal development, commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
Asking this means you are already on the best path for success. Your active, consistent participation is critical to making lasting change. This means honesty and vulnerability, which is sometimes difficult and scary. To do this, it is essential you have a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship and CCT understands this deeply. Creating a strong relationship, so that you feel safe to participate fully in the process, is the primary aim of CCT. Further, your ability to consistently attend sessions increases the likelihood for change to not only occur, but at a faster pace.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
For some, medication in combination with therapy is the right course of action. However, it is well established that medication alone does not provide long term solutions to mental or emotional problems. While medication can help treat the symptoms, therapy goes beneath to learn the cause of the distress and the behavioral patterns that inhibit change and growth.
Do you accept insurance?
CCT does not accept insurance for ethical reasons. However, an invoice can be provided to file for reimbursement from your insurance company. To determine if you have health coverage, the first step is to contact your health insurance carrier. Be thorough and get answers to questions such as:
- What are my mental health benefits?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
- How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
- How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
- Is approval required from my primary care physician?
CCT will provide you an invoice for you to file with your insurance carrier.