What is therapy and counseling?

Professional counseling, also known as outpatient therapy, is a non-judgmental, objective and professional way to address your mental health concerns.

Through individual or group sessions, our therapists will work with you to understand your unique challenges and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Our goal is to empower you with the skills and strategies to manage stressors and emotions, cope with difficulties and improve your overall well-being.

We believe in the power of understanding to overcome life’s challenges. Our experienced, objective therapists will work with you to customize your treatment plan. They'll help you gain the skills necessary to live a more fulfilling life.

Your privacy matters. All our counseling and therapy sessions are always confidential.

Who is a candidate for therapy and counseling?

Therapy and counseling can benefit individuals of all ages and backgrounds who are struggling with a variety of mental health concerns, including:

• anxiety
• depression
• emotion regulation problems
• stress
• grief and loss
• relationship problems
• eating disorders
• substance abuse
• trauma
• loss of functioning related to mental health concerns
• behavior control problems

If you’re interested in our therapy and counseling treatments, you can self-refer, or a doctor can refer you. This treatment can also be used as follow-up care after more intensive treatment.

What to expect during therapy and counseling

Before treatment

• You’ll schedule a clinical assessment with a trained therapist.
• This 45 to 60 minute assessment involves discussing your mental health history and reviewing paperwork you’ve filled out in advance.
• The therapist may also research your case and follow up with other doctors before or after your one-on-one session.

During treatment

Your therapist will create a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs and goals. Together, you and your therapist will identify and tackle the stressors and issues that brought you to therapy.

Your therapist will recommend a clinical approach to therapy that is tailored to our unique needs and will explain the next steps in your therapy process.

Some counseling approaches used during therapy include:

• Acceptance and commitment therapy: Focuses on accepting deeper inner emotions to be able to move forward with life.
• Behavioral therapy: Focuses on changing unwanted behaviors through rewards, reinforcements and desensitization.
• Cognitive therapy: Identifies and corrects distorted thinking patterns.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Addresses negative thoughts, beliefs and behaviors.
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Focuses on skills for managing intense emotions and negotiating social relationships.
• Individual interpersonal psychotherapy: Focuses on your current relationships and environments.
• Play therapy: For young children, uses play to build communication with the therapist and resolve problems.
• Art therapy: Uses artistic expression to communicate and resolve issues.

Treatment may also include:

• Biomedical treatment: Using medication for symptom management. If medication is considered necessary, you’ll be referred to a psychiatrist for proper management.
• Group therapy: In which a small group of individuals with similar issues meet regularly with a therapist. This type of therapy can provide useful insights and support from peers who share similar experiences.

After treatment

• You and your therapist will decide together when it's time to end therapy.
• In most cases therapy can be short-term (a few weeks or months), but longer-term therapy is available when necessary.
• You may experience a range of emotions after therapy ends, including relief, gratitude and sadness.

It's important to remember that therapy is a process, and the benefits may not be immediately clear. With time and effort, you can learn new skills and strategies to help you cope with stressors and live a more fulfilling life.

Benefits of therapy and counseling

Counseling and therapy provide a safe space to discuss your concerns with an objective professional. They can help you uncover the root of your problems and find solutions. Some key benefits include:

• Improved mental health: Therapy can help you manage stress, anxiety and depression, as well as cope with difficult life events.
• Enhanced relationships: Therapy can help you build healthier relationships with your family, friends and co-workers.
• Increased self-awareness: Therapy can help you better understand yourself and your motivations, leading to greater self-confidence and self-esteem.