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.
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Risks that should be considered include but are not limited to:
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For a time, clients may have an uncomfortable level of sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger, frustration, loneliness, helplessness, or other negative feelings.
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Clients may recall unpleasant memories, such memories may bother the client at work or in school.
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Benefits include but are not limited to:
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Therapy may possibly improve your overall view of yourself and your self-worth.
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Therapy has the potential to improve your coping skills and your ability to manage your emotions.
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*The above lists are far from exhaustive.
How long is a therapy session? How often must I come in?
Therapy sessions are typically 53 - 55 minutes in length. In regard to how often one must come in, however, everyone’s circumstances are unique to them. 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. However, the typical frequency of attending a session is weekly or bi-weekly.
Do you offer Telehealth or in-person sessions?
We offer both modalities for our clients. We currently only offer in-person appointments within the city of Fayetteville in the state of North Carolina. Telehealth (Video) appointments are available for all clients.
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 seeing a therapist, a psychologist, and a psychiatrist?
Marriage and family therapists/mental health counselors/licensed clinical social workers primarily provide talk-therapy. Therapists must have at least a masters degree and are required to take continuing education courses throughout their career, like most governed professions. They are able to diagnosis mental health disorders.
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Psychologists can also provide counseling services but can also engage in research and psychological testing for schools, courts, and other entities.
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Psychiatrists tend to do very limited amounts of counseling services, though at one time they provided counseling regularly. They are medical doctors and typically provide medication care and management.
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If your therapist feels that you may need medication, they will provide you with a referral list of psychiatrists. Medication therapy is not a replacement for talk therapy. Studies have shown they work better hand and hand.