How can therapy help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies. Therapists have the ability to provide a fresh perspective and provide information to help you in the direction of a solution you desire. The benefits you obtain from therapy depends on how well you use the process and put into practice what you have learned. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communications and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
Do I really need therapy?
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life. You may have successfully navigated through other difficulties, yet something may be different about what you are facing now. A huge step in the right direction is what you already possess, self-awareness. You have begun your online research and navigation for assistance for you or your loved one. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support; giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns and overcome whatever challenges may be occuring.
Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?
There are many different motivations for starting psychotherapy or counseling. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.) or are not handling a stressful circumstance well. Some need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, spiritual conflicts, goal reaching and creative blocks. Therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get through these periods. In short, individuals seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges present in their lives and ready to make changes to overcome them. We have therapists from different backgrounds and hold various specialties.
What is therapy like? What should I expect?
Therapy is personalized as each person has different concerns and goals. Your first session is an introduction session where two main things are accomplished. #1 you meet your therapist and learn more about him/her. #2 The therapist will ask you a series of questions to understand your concerns and develop a short term plan to meet your goals.
Ongoing appointments you can also 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 work with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Most commonly, regular scheduled sessions with your therapist are once weekly.
Your results will be based on your active participating in the process; following the plan you and the therapist have created. You will bring what you learn in session and implement it into your life. Beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process or “homework”; such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals.
What about medication vs. psychotherapy?
It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of simply treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of distress and the behavior patterns that curb progress. Sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being can be best achieved with an integrative approach to wellness. Working with your doctor, we can achieve a plan that is best for you.
Do you take insurance and how does that work?
We accept most insurances and attempt to make this process as stress-free as possible. Our administrative staff will run your insurance information, no need to contact your insurance provider in advance unless you prefer. Should you have concerns or not know what your out-of-pocket costs will be, our staff will provide you with that information prior to the day of your first scheduled session.
Over 75% of US employers offer EAP (Employee Assistance Programs) as part of your benefit package. EAP offers free and confidential coverage on initial therapy assessments and often short-term therapy sessions. Like insurance, each program is different. Our team can guide you through the process.
No insurance, no problem. Our passion is providing Southeast Georgia (and beyond) with the mental health growth you desire. Do not let payment concerns hinder your or your loved one’s goals. Please contact us to work on a cash payment plan.
Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist’s office. Emerald Isle Counseling will provide you a written copy of our confidential disclosure agreement often termed “Informed Consent”. You may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your doctor or attorney for example). We can do so once you have completed a release form which can be done at your therapy session or sent to you via email by our office team. Updates to this can be done at anytime at your request.
State law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.