Why all the elephants and frogs?
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
Why do people go to therapy, and how do I know if it is right for me?
Why all the elephants and frogs?
Elephants and frogs have been important symbols throughout my life. Elephants generally symbolize strength, protection, family, memory, and longevity across most global cultures. In Hindu culture, the elephant is known as the remover of obstacles, which is a goal in therapy. In modern interpretations, the Frog often symbolizes transformation and adaptation which has been aspect of my own life. It suggests an ability to navigate change with grace, to shed old patterns and embrace new beginnings. The Frog may be a reminder that life’s challenges are opportunities for profound growth, urging us to dive into the unknown and emerge renewed.
How can Talk Therapy help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues, and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals, and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding a resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communications and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
How can Art Therapy help me?
Art therapy may allow a person who cannot find the words to describe what they are feeling or experiencing the chance to express themselves in a visual format. Some people will tell you that they are visual thinkers and this can absolutely be true.
“I can’t draw a straight line with a ruler; do I have to be good at art?” Absolutely not. The making of the art is not about having art to hang on a wall, it is about the process of creating an image. There is never a wrong answer, and I will never tell you what you created, you will tell me.
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, redirect damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
Why do people go to therapy, and how do I know if it is right for me?
People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues, such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts, and creative blocks. Therapy can help provide some much-needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.
What is Therapy like?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly).
It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process - such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors, or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives, and take responsibility for their lives.
Do you take insurance?
I am currently working with these insurance plans:
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, CareFirst BlueChoice, Inc. (CareFirst)
Aetna
Cigna
Optum
VA Community Care Network
Out of Network:
- Payment for sessions is expected at the time of your session, and you will receive a receipt for your payment.
- You should check with your insurance company to see what they might cover for services that are out-of-network.
- I can provide you with a monthly statement so that you may submit it to your insurance company.