For most people making the decision to ask a psychotherapist for help is a big step. They may not be sure it will even help, and it may not. However, after the first session many people find they experience relief, they have completed the first step towards improving their life, but…
WHAT IS PSYCHOTHERAPY?
Psychotherapy is a formal relationship formed to decrease distress. The distress may be caused by dysfunctional thinking, emotional discomforts, or behavioral problems. The end goal is to see life in a new way. As you reevaluate yourself and others you will find yourself on a path that leads to a more functional living. Along the journey you will pick up many new tools in therapy, you will practice with these tools, and soon be using them on your own.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Some issues that you may want to talk about may be things you have never told anyone and try not to think about. How is it possible to get to the point where you are able to access these thoughts? Confidentiality and trust are the cornerstones of the therapist-client relationship. All information between us is held strictly confidential unless:
- Client, parent, or guardian authorizes in writing to release information
- A court orders to release information
- Client presents a physical danger to self or others
- Abuse or neglect of a child, elder, or dependent adult is suspected