Common Questions
Is working with Dana right for me?
Seeking professional help is your choice. There are many reasons why people come to me for professional help. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues or problems like anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of counselors as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a professional can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Professional support can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Professional help is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.
Do I really need professional help? I can usually handle my problems.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, professional help is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you are at in life and making a commitment to change your situations. Professional support provides long-lasting benefits, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
How can professional support help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in professional support. I can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, and body image issues. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. I can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from professional support depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from professional support 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
What is receiving your professional support like?
Every session is unique and addresses your specific goals. Our work together can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. For our work to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking my professional support are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of my professional support:
- Confidentiality protected by law
- Respect for your perspective about your experience
- Specific and focused approaches to help you make progress
Is medication a substitute for therapy?
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.
Is my work with you confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and mental health provider. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.
However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.