FAQ’s

 

What is therapy?

Tonya, what is your approach to therapy?

Who goes to therapy?

Will therapy help me?

Am I ready for therapy?

How do I choose a therapist?

 

What is therapy?

Therapy involves talking through issues and problems and finding ways to make changes. Successful therapy begins with the development of a trusting relationship between the therapist and client. Once a therapeutic relationship develops, the client and therapist discuss the client’s issues or problems and how they affect the client’s current life. After gaining a better understanding of these issues, the therapist and client work together to identify behaviors the client can use to create changes in their life.

Tonya, what is your approach to therapy?

I view therapy as a collaborative process of understanding the client, problem, and situation. Once we better understand the issue, we can work together to create change in a lasting way.

I believe that people instinctually know what is best for them and their situation. Sometimes people do not follow their instincts because of their current circumstances, unhealthy relationships, or low self-esteem. As a therapist, it is my job to help you connect to your instincts in order to identify what changes will best meet your needs. Together, we then work to make these changes in yourself, your situations and your relationships in order to better accomplish your needs and goals.

As an African-American therapist, I understand the influence of culture on people’s everyday lives. The impact of how society responds to us directly impacts how we respond to society and to ourselves. This understanding is crucial for therapy, as culture, race, gender, class, and sexuality cannot be separated from who we are. Sometimes these issues readily identify themselves in therapy. Other times they are brimming just below the surface. In both instances, therapy is a place where these issues, can and should be discussed. 

Who goes to therapy?

Many different types of people go to therapy. Therapy is not a service limited to a particular race, gender, or class background. Sometimes there is the perception that only wealthy people attend therapy. In fact, most of my clients are not weathly and work to make ends meet. My clients are of different races, genders, and economic backgrounds. However, they all have one thing in common, they recognize that their life is not as satisfying as they want it to be. They seek therapy to increase their happiness and life satisfaction.

 

Will therapy help me?

Consider the following statements:

· I am dissatisfied with my current situation (work, family, my relationship).

· I don’t know how to change my situation.

· My friends/family/partner tell me that I need help.

· I often feel overwhelmed and don’t know how to calm myself.

· I have a problem that I want to discuss but am worried/scared/unsure about talking about it with family or friends.

· I feel depressed.

· I feel anxious.

 

If you agree with any of these statements, then therapy can be helpful to you.

 

Am I ready for therapy?

Therapy is a commitment, a commitment to improving your current situation. It is a process of learning about yourself and creating change. Therapy provides a space to explore who you are and what you do that may not be beneficial to you. Therapy provides the support to identify these various aspects of yourself so that you can make the changes necessary to yield a more satisfying life.

Consider the following statements to see if you are ready for therapy.

· I want to take responsibility for making changes in my life.

· I will accept assistance in making these changes.

· I am willing to make a commitment to the therapeutic process.

· I will make time in my life for therapy on a regular basis.

 

If you agree with any of these statements, then you are ready to begin therapy. If you disagree to any of these statements, perhaps you are not sure if you are ready for therapy. If you are unsure, contact me and we can discuss it further. Perhaps you already know that you are not ready at this time. I am available when you decide that you are ready.

 

How do I choose a therapist?

Choosing a therapist is a very important decision. You are picking someone to listen to your personal stories and help you to change whatever brings you discomfort. Your therapist must be someone that you will trust. If you do not trust your therapist, the therapy will not be successful. There are four important points to choosing a therapist:

1. Referrals

Ask your friends, family, and colleagues if they know of any therapists they would recommend. A personal recommendation from a trusted source is always helpful.

2. Credentials

Search for someone who attended an accredited educational institution.

Different degrees yield different credentials or letters following someone’s name. Here is a list of some reputable credentials: MSW (Masters degree in Social Work), LSW (Licensed Social Worker), LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), PC (Professional Counselor), LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), Ph.D. (Doctorate degree), PsyD (Doctorate in Psychology).

Search for a therapist who is licensed.

Inquire about someone’s credentials. Ask them about their schooling and their approach to therapy. If someone is upset or balks at being asked about their credentials, perhaps they are not the therapist for you. Remember, therapy is a service. As the client, you have the right to ask about the therapist’s professional experience and qualifications.

3. Skills and Expertise

Seek a therapist that has knowledge and experience in areas that you need assistance with. For example, someone struggle with anxiety would not seek a therapist that works solely with addictions. If you are unsure of the therapist’s expertise, just ask them.

4. Listen to your intuition

Just because the therapist seems like a good match based on what you've heard from others, it does not mean that it will be a good match for you. Choosing a therapist is a very individual process. Meeting the therapist in person will be the best way to determine if this will work for you. I recommend seeing a therapist 2 – 3 times before deciding whether or not this is a good match for you. It may take a bit of time to feel less anxious with this new person, and then determine if you can build a trusting relationship with them.

For some people, the characteristics of the therapist are important to them. For example, the race, gender, and sexual orientation of the therapist may be important to the client. People often feel uncomfortable acknowledging this because they believe that they "shouldn't care." However, in reality, this may be important to you. Be honest with yourself and determine if the therapist’s characteristics of race, gender, and sexual orientation are important to you. If you will feel more comfortable working with a woman, for example, then search for a female therapist.

If you do not feel comfortable with the therapist, or do not feel a connection with them, then it is time to continue your search.

Finally, remember that therapy is a service. As with all other valued services, it may take some time to find a therapist that meets your needs. Some people try one therapist one time and leave saying, "therapy doesn't work for me". When we look for a car or child care we often get suggestions from other people, do our own explorations, and try some out before settling on one that works for our situation. The same is true for therapy.