What are the benefits and risks of therapy?
As with any treatment, one can expect risks as well as benefits from participating in therapy. When consenting to begin therapy, you should consider both the benefits and risks that accompany such a decision.
Risks that should be considered include but are not limited to:
- For a time, clients may have an uncomfortable level of sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger, frustration, loneliness, helplessness, or other negative feelings.
- Clients may recall unpleasant memories, such memories may bother the client at work or in school.
Benefits include but are not limited to:
- Therapy may possibly improve your overall view of yourself and your self-worth.
- Therapy has the potential to improve your coping skills and your ability to manage your emotions.
*The above lists are far from exhaustive.
How long is a therapy session? How often must I come in?
Therapy sessions are typically approximately 60 minutes. The frequency of attending a session is dependent upon the client’s needs. However, the typical frequency of attending a session is weekly or bi weekly.
Do you offer video or in-person sessions?
Yes, 4LCC offers both. See the info page for each individual therapist, under our ‘Team’ section found under the ‘About’ tab, to determine the type of service that each therapist provides.
If I seek help, how long will will I be in therapy?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say on a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow them to accomplish their goals depends on their desire for personal development, their commitment, and the factors that are driving them to seek therapy in the first place.
My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual counseling or come together?
If you are concerned about your relationship, we would work with you both together. However, we believe in the effectiveness of individual therapy and its ability to help relationships. Several of our therapists are willing to configure treatment in a way that is conducive for both you and your loved one. This may mean referral out to another therapist for individual services or breaking sessions in a manner that allows for occasional individual services, with joint sessions on rotating weeks. As each couple is different, how treatment will be done will be based on what is best for your particular case.
What is the difference between ‘psychotherapy,’ ‘therapy,’ and ‘counseling’ ?
These words mean pretty much the same thing. They are used interchangeably to describe the process of treatment being provided to you.
One word out there with a potentially different meaning is “coaching.” There is no licensing requirement to market oneself as a coach, or life coach, however many licensed professionals offer coaching services. Be mindful of the training and experience of any practitioner you may consider working with.
What is the difference between seeing a therapist, a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
A mental health therapist/counselor provides talk-therapy. Therapists must have at least a masters degree and are required to take continuing education courses throughout their career.
Psychologists can also provide counseling services but can also engage in research and psychological testing for schools, courts and other entities.
Psychiatrists tend to do very limited amounts of counseling services. They are medical doctors and typically provide medication management.
If your therapist feels that you may need medication, they will provide you with a referral to a psychiatrist. Note: Medication therapy is not a replacement for talk therapy.