How long do I need to be in therapy for?

This is something to discuss between you and your therapist. Length of treatment depends on what symptoms you are presenting with, their severity, and the degree to which they are interfering with your day-to-day functioning. This also depends on your motivation in therapy. Typically, we see patients once a week in the beginning. This helps build a strong connection and develop a solid understanding of each patient’s unique situation.

How long are sessions?

The initial evaluation is an hour and will focus on your symptoms, family history and reason for seeking treatment. All subsequent sessions are 45 minutes.

I don’t want anyone to know that I am in therapy. Do I need to tell them? 

No. When you are eighteen and over, we are ethically bound to protect your confidentiality. The only time we need to break confidentiality is if we think that you are at risk for harming yourself or someone else.

Can I bring my partner into a therapy session?

Yes. If clinically beneficial, patients may occasionally bring their significant others to a session. This is something to address directly with your therapist.

What is Cognitive Behavior Therapy?

This type of approach is an evidenced based practice that looks at one's thoughts and behaviors and focuses on modification of patterns.

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses mindfulness and acceptance techniques to change your relationship with your internal discomfort. It helps you to be more objective to your thinking while still remaining engaged in meaningful actions. ACT also emphasizes a commitment to behavior change that is in line with what's meaningful to you and your values.

What are mindfulness-based strategies? 

People often become so stuck within their own head that they need to be "pulled out" from their thoughts. Mindfulness strategies do just this. They help you become more present focused, teach you to sit with emotional discomfort rather than engage in unhealthy patterns to avoid it, and learn how to look at your thoughts more objectively.