According to the American Psychological Association’s website (2018), there are over 30 million Americans who are overwhelmed by problems in their relationships, grief and loss, stress, and substance abuse. Despite support received from friends and family, things don’t seem to be improving, and facing the day feels daunting and overwhelming. Seeking direction from trained, licensed professionals help millions of people lead happier, more fulfilled lives.

Ask yourself

• Do you have a prolonged sense of helplessness and sadness?

• Are you struggling to concentrate on your job duties or school assignments? Both?

• Are there problems occurring in your relationships?

• Have you begun to have thoughts that are troubling to you?

• Are you concerned that you may have a problem with alcohol or drugs?

• Is someone you love struggling with alcohol or drugs?

• Are you interested in learning more about yourself and ways you can grow?

• Is anxiety preventing you from doing what you want or need to do?

• Do you enjoy yourself now as much as you once did?

• Are you overwhelmed with the responsibilities and emotional complexities of caregiving?

This is not an exhaustive list of reasons why people come to Resilience Psychotherapy, but it is some of the more common. We welcome your questions, so call or email us.

While one can never truly know how things will unfold between the two of you in your sessions, there could be some tell tale signs pointing you in an obvious direction.¹

• Do they have a pleasant disposition and a sense of humor?

• Do you feel at ease with them?

• Are they sincere about trying to understand and help you?

• Do they treat you with dignity and respect?

• Are they honest, non defensive and kind?

• Are they looking at the clock?

• Is he/she willing to explain their approach, including strategies, goals, expectations, and length of treatment?

• Does he/she make you feel accepted?

• Do they understand your background, and cultural heritage, if relevant?

• Do they treat you like an equal, or as though you are flawed or defective in some way?

• Do you leave the sessions feeling more hopeful and empowered, at least most of the time?

• Do you feel he/she can empathize with you and feel your pain? Can he/she understand you?

• Do you feel safe disclosing your innermost feelings and that they are held in confidence?

• Does he/she give you homework assignments between sessions?

• What is your gut telling you?

• Do they seem judgmental? Even in a subtle way? Do they seem to have a holier than thou attitude?

• Is there good eye contact? Or are they too much on their iPad jotting notes?

• Do they seem professional, yet warm and understanding? Does there seem to be a good balance?

• Do they seem easily distracted? Are they truly focused on you?

• Are you starting to feel more at ease with him/her after 2-4 sessions?

• Do they seem bent on prolonging the sessions with you (mainly for financial reasons) despite no seemingly benefit/progress for you?

1. Source: https://psychcentral.com/blog/tips-on-choosing-right-therapist/

It may require one or two sessions before we have an adequate sense of your history and what brought you to seek support. From here, we can begin to discuss what you want to accomplish from our time together. We will establish clear goals, some more easily accomplished than others, and talk about the techniques and skills we will use to move forward.

If after your first or second session you notice a sense of relief or hope, it is likely because you feel you have someone in your corner. You do! As our work together progresses, the goal is for you to experience an increase in your ability to manage and cope with the stressors that brought you into therapy.

This is a decision we make together. In the beginning, it is common for weekly sessions to be scheduled. This is a fluid conversation that is revisited each time we meet and talk about how you are doing.

Clients have the right to expect confidentiality. However, there are exceptions that are more important to understand. We are happy to address any questions or concerns you may have prior to your first appointment or as we review paperwork with you during that time.

Primary exceptions to confidentiality are:

• A clients’ threat to harm themselves or others

• Mandatory reporting of child or elder abuse or neglect

• Disclosure of information as required by federal or state laws

• Revealing necessary information to insurers in order for treatment services to be paid