There is no right way to use therapy. In individual therapy, I always discuss a person's therapy goals and how they would like to use our time during our first few sessions. I then revisit this periodically throughout the course of treatment as things change. Without these discussions, therapy would be without any grounding or structure, and would therefore not function well.

 

 

How is Therapy Used?

​

1. Sometimes therapy is used as a way to stay mindful and close to yourself. In a busy world with demanding jobs, busy families, etc. it's nice to have a space that is just yours, to do with it what you will.

​

2. Therapy is used to address trauma and complex trauma

 

3. Some people use it as a preventative measure, an hour every week (or every-other week) to process the ongoings of their lives. In therapy they allow themselves to experience the feelings that come up so that these feelings don't otherwise show up at inopportune times. Using therapy this way can also be an effective strategy to prevent regression into old symptoms or behaviors that get in the way.  

​

4. Therapy is extremely effective if you are wanting to change a behavior, thought pattern, or ease symptoms. I love figuring out with my client, how to interrupt patterns of behavior or address the core beliefs that keep them stuck. The process of figuring this out and then making adjustments or changes is a liberating one where clients leave therapy feeling free! In this case, my job is to talk myself out of a job so that you never have to see me again :)

​

5. Therapy is used to address grieving or bereavement.

​

6. Therapy can also be used, especially by younger people, to explore who you are, where you've been, what you want, and develop better ways to cope and navigate. Often time, exploring your past and your values is an important part of this work.

 

7. Sometimes a person is facing a major life transition that requires extra care, attention, and the processing of complex or overwhelming feelings. Engaging in this will allow a person to move through this time in their lives more quickly and thoroughly so that the next stage in life begins from a place of strength.

​

8. Therapy is used to address problems or challenges in relationships.

​

9. A lot of times people see me who are not quite sure what their therapy goals are or how to best use therapy. The good news is that I can help you figure that out. 

 

The list goes on... 

​