Q:What is therapy?

A:Therapy, also called psychotherapy or counseling, is the process of talking to a trained professional about a wide range of life challenges: emotional distress, anxiety, family difficulties, mood problems, grief and loss, or relationship problems. It can also be used to aid in personal growth, meet personal goals, and improve the ability to cope with stress and everyday problems.

Q:What can I expect?

A:Your first appointment will be primarily a time for your therapist to begin to understand what your concerns are, what your goals for therapy are, what treatment options are available, and for the therapist to make recommendations based on his or her evaluation of your situation and issues.

You and your therapist will set treatment goals together, reviewing these goals as you go along. Therapy goals may be successfully accomplished in just a few months, but in some cases, long-term treatment may be indicated. This will be discussed with your therapist in the first few sessions. You may ask your therapist at any time during the therapy about his or her approach, what the goals of treatment might be, how long therapy will last, and what to do in a crisis. Each session will last 45 minutes to one hour, and each therapist maintains his or her own schedule.

Q:What types of issues can therapy help?

A:These include, but are not limited to:

* Depression or other mood disorder, such as bipolar disorder
* Anxiety disorder, phobias, social anxiety, or panic attacks
* Grief and loss
* Anger management
* Abuse or trauma
* Medical illnesses such as chronic pain
* Marital/Relationship problems
* Attention deficit disorder, learning disorder
* Autism spectrum disorder, Asperger syndrome
* Work problems
* Eating disorders
* Divorce and separation
* Family problems, including blended family issues
* Stress management
* Child behavioral and emotional problems
* Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior
* Combat-related trauma or other post traumatic stress disorder

Q:Will I have to take medication as part of the treatment?

A:Taking medication is voluntary, but it may be indicated for certain disorders or problems. This will be part of the discussion with your therapist. We have psychiatrists who are available for evaluation and consultation, and who can prescribe medication.