Why do people go to therapy and why do you say that “everyone could use a little therapy?”
People come into therapy for many reasons. Some want guidance, or need help to deal with unexpected changes in their lives, yet others seek self-exploration and personal growth. Some people may think of therapy as a last resort, a final attempt to make things right or to save a troubled relationship. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Therapy can be a helping hand and a compassionate ear before things get out control.
The clients who come to see us are usually at various stages of acceptance and motivation for change and are generally hoping for a better way to manage their circumstance. And to do so, ‘everyone could use a little therapy’ that provides support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping for issues such as depression, anxiety, lack of confidence, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, bereavement, spiritual conflicts, stress management, body image issues, and creative blocks. People seek psychotherapy for different reasons but they all have something in common – they are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and are ready to create happiness and balance in their lives.
What kind of therapy do you offer?
We specialize in group and individual therapy for couples, teens and adults but we welcome anyone interested in improving relationships or seeking support as they work to live a more authentic life. We are compassionate and believe that therapy is a creative process and should be part of a healthy lifestyle but it doesn’t always fit so we offer a variety of services and products like consultation and assessments, life coaching packages, and our DIY self-help program, Uniquely You. So whether you are looking for therapy to deal with a specific mental illness, like depression or anxiety; are struggling to handle conflict in your relationships, or just need a little extra support through this period in your life, we have the personalized services and tools to help, all in a safe, inviting environment.
What benefits can I expect from therapy or coaching?
A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy or coaching. Often it’s helpful just to know that someone understands and cares about the issues that are troubling you. Therapy can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from theses services depend on how well you use the process and practice the skills you’ve learned.
Clients have told us that therapy {and coaching} can help:
- You feel like you’re not alone
- You feel a sense of hopefulness simply by taking the step to make changes
- You understand your emotions and some of the internal obstacles you have to making change
- You have access to professional expertise and a fresh perspective
- You have an opportunity to learn about yourself and your relationships
- You experience increased motivation to work harder at change
And this can lead to:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself and your personal goals and values
- Getting “unstuck” from unhealthy patterns – breaking old behaviors and developing new ones
- Managing anger, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Finding new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Discovering new ways to solve problems
- Improving your self-image
- Increasing empathy and emotional intimacy in your relationships
What is group therapy?
Group therapy is a supportive therapeutic process in which a small number of people come together under the guidance of a professionally trained therapist(s). Generally the group is comprised of non-related individuals who are similar in age, gender or presenting problem. The interactions among the clients are considered to be therapeutic, hence the name, group therapy.
What benefits can I expect from group therapy?
Therapy in general can be helpful but group therapy is different than one-on-one therapy. And, as with any therapy, the benefits you get depend on how well you use the process and your ability to connect with the group.
Some people have told us that:
- It’s a comfortable way to ‘try’ treatment before engaging in individual therapy
- You feel a sense of belonging since others in the group tend to share similar experiences
- You feel understood by virtue of others sharing similar experiences
- You have access to multiple perspectives, not just your therapist
- You have an opportunity to give and receive feedback from your peers
- You experience increased motivation to work harder at change
And this can lead to:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself and your personal goals and values
- Getting a new perspective on you unhealthy patterns
- Finding new ways to cope with stress and anxiety by hearing how other people have succeeded
- Practicing new social and communication skills in a safe environment
- Improving communications skills, learning how to listen to others, have others listen to you
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
What can I expect in a group therapy session?
During sessions you are expected to do two things, talk and listen. A session can last from 50 minutes to 2 hours depending on the age and nature of the group. One of the key elements of “successful” group therapy is group cohesion. This simply means that the group gels and develops its own unique dynamic. This process takes time to occur and so participating in group therapy requires a commitment to at least 6 weeks and sometimes up to 12 or 15 weeks. During the time between sessions it is beneficial to think about process and what was discussed. At times, you may be asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records. For therapy to “work,” you must be an active participant, both in and outside of the therapy sessions.
What can I expect in an individual (or couples) therapy session?
One-on-one sessions are similar to group therapy sessions in that you are only expected to talk and listen. A typical session lasts 50 minutes although sometimes you can arrange a longer session with your therapist. One of the key elements of “successful” therapy is establishing a relationship with your therapist.
While your therapist is not your friend in a social way, s/he should be someone that you can trust and respect. It’s not uncommon for a therapist and client to take 2-3 sessions to get to know each other before really diving into the tougher issues. Similar to group therapy, your therapist may ask you to do “homework” or utilize various resources outside of therapy. It is always helpful to spend some time reflecting on what you discuss in session when you’re at home. To reap the rewards of therapy you have to do some work both in and out of the therapy office.
What if I don’t know what kind of therapy is right for me?
Often figuring out your goals for therapy is the first step in determining whether you should try group, individual or another service that we offer. One of the best ways to do that is by scheduling a consultation appointment. Our consultation services (link to services page) are an excellent opportunity to explore your concerns, clarify your current situation, make recommendations for treatment and help you make an informed decision about how best to deal with your life’s challenges.
During a consultation, your therapist will listen and ask questions to better understand the specific issues which led you to consider therapy, as well as a conduct a cursory exploration of your relationships, work/school, and social life. Then you can discuss the various services and tools that we have available and find the one that is right for you. In addition to consultations, we offer assessment services. Assessments are 2 hours long and culminate with a written summary of your therapist’s evaluation of your overall well-being and offer specific treatment and self-care recommendations. This service is best suited for those who have already decided that therapy is right for them and are looking for help in planning their ongoing care.
Do you accept insurance?
Group Therapy Associates accepts most Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. Check with your specific plan to determine your benefit eligibility. We offer what is called Fee for Service, which means that you are expected to pay your fee (or co-pay) at the time of service. We are happy to provide our clients with the necessary documentation to submit claims to their insurance company and/or Flexible Spending Account.
Insurance is not accepted for coaching or Uniquely You services.
Why are you a Fee for Service provider? Why don’t you take other insurance plans?
We have found that by eliminating the insurance paperwork at our office, we have more time to focus on what is most important; our clients. Finding a licensed therapist with whom you feel comfortable can often be a trying experience. So for some people, the ability to choose any therapist, without the limitations of an insurance company is worthwhile. There are many insurance plans that will reimburse their clients a percentage of their expenses when they see an out-of-network provider. Some reimburse up to 80%. For example, if you have a $25 co-pay, it would cost you almost the same amount to see a therapist that charges $115 a session if you’re being reimbursed at 80% as it would to see an in-network provider and pay the co-pay. We recommend that you can call your insurance company and ask about their out-of-network policy. Be sure to ask if there are differences between their coverage for group therapy and individual therapy.
What other options do I have if my insurance won’t reimburse me?
Unfortunately some insurance companies do not cover group therapy sessions. In these situations we encourage clients to consider using their Flexible Spending Accounts. These are employer provided accounts where money is taken from your check before taxes and is available for use on certain health care expenses. In almost all circumstances therapy is a covered expense. Check with your employer to see if this is available to you. We also offer some discounts for those willing to pay for their therapy in blocks (e.g. 2 payments, 4 weeks apart for an 8-week group).
My friend says that therapy is like Vegas – what happens there stays there… is this true, even with groups?
The rules of confidentiality DO NOT change in any setting. Group therapy clients are afforded the same right to privacy and are expected to respect the privacy of other group members as our individual services clients. In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist. You may be familiar with HIPAA regulations from your general doctor or other medical provider. Therapists are expected to uphold those same standards. Information is not disclosed without written permission from the client. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule.
Exceptions to confidentiality include:
- Suspected abuse of a child, dependant adult, or senior. The therapist is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s. The therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, further measures may be taken without their permission in order to ensure their safety.