Frequently Asked Questions Prepared by Cynthia Morote-Ariza, LCSW
1)What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy can be provided as individual therapy, family therapy, couples therapy, and group therapy, which are all offered at The LoSAH Center. Many individuals begin with individual therapy, which is a one-to-one professional relationship between a therapist and yourself in which you are listened to, understood, and responded to honestly, empathically, and directly. People often seek therapy due to a specific challenge they are experiencing in one or many areas of their life (such as, in their relationships, family, and/or with work) or simply because they are interested in developing a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences. The most comprehensive and effective therapy will address current problems as well as the deeper underlying issues, which is often where the source of suffering can be found. The purpose of therapy is to provide an emotionally supportive, nonjudgmental, private and safe space that enables a person to freely explore and express their thoughts and feelings. Within this process, a therapist will encourage you to talk about the meaningful experiences and events that have affected your life, at your own pace, and your way of understanding and being in the world for the purpose of developing insight regarding the issues that are causing you distress. With such insight, a person can better understand the causes of their suffering and how to heal from their pain. Psychotherapy, at its best, can offer the opportunity for a deeply transformative experience that can ultimately help you discover how to make changes that support your best quality of life.
2) What happens in the first sessions?
Before you meet with your therapist, you will be asked to complete a registration form that asks for basic demographic information, and other forms that explain consent for treatment, your rights and responsibilities as a client of The LoSAH Center, our grievance procedure, HIPAA (privacy) regulations, and the policies of our agency (these forms will be updated yearly). Once all forms are signed and completed, your therapist will greet you and take you to his/her office. It is normal to feel nervous and/or ambivalent in your first session. Your therapist will help you feel as comfortable as possible so that you can provide information regarding your presenting problems and individual/family history that will help your therapist gain an understanding of your childhood, current and past relationships, current living situation, and your education and work history. You are encouraged to ask whatever questions you may have and to discuss all the issues that concern you (e.g. your therapist’s availability, style and/or professional background/experience, patient confidentiality, etc.). You should not expect to have your immediate concerns answered and resolved in the first session, but we expect that you will feel some relief and hope early on. Be assured that you will have time throughout the course of treatment to address all issues and concerns. While evaluation is ongoing, initial evaluation will take up to three sessions. At the end of those three sessions, initial recommendations will be reviewed with you.
3) How long are the sessions?
The average of length of session is 45-55 minutes. If at any point you need to leave a session early, you can discuss this with your therapist. Otherwise, this time will be reserved for you.
4) How long do I need to attend?
The length of time for therapy can vary from person to person and can last anywhere from a few weeks to several years. Since each individual’s experience, issues, and needs are so unique the exact length of time cannot be predicted. As you progress in therapy, the focus of therapy may also change; indeed, the treatment process will be reassessed regularly throughout the course of treatment. Although a person has the right to end therapy whenever they choose, a therapist will encourage a planned termination, where the ending is discussed and planned in advance. Length of therapy can be considered in three lengths: A) Short-term – Generally defined as 20 (once per week) sessions or less. Sessions are highly focused on problem-solving matters of recent origin, pending decisions and/or adjustment to or debriefing of situations and resolution of recent conflict. B) Intermediate – Length of treatment may range from about 24 sessions to 2 years of treatment on a once a week basis. Individuals typically focus on problems that are somewhat more complex or have a longer history as these tend to require more sustained support. C) Long-term – Length of treatment is open-ended and ongoing. Long-term treatment is an indepth individualized treatment approach that may last from 2-5 years or longer depending on the goals of the individual and therapist. Long-term therapy is for those who wish to explore themselves at the depth necessary to promote optimal growth.
5) How often will I have to go?
Individuals in treatment are expected to commit to once per week sessions. Depending on the severity of the problems and treatment focus, the frequency of sessions per week may increase or decrease for periods of time throughout the treatment process. These changes in frequency are always planned and discussed with your therapist.
6) Finding the “right” therapist?
Finding a therapist who is a good fit for you may take some time. For some, it may take a few sessions to determine this. Regardless of how long it takes, it is very important that you feel heard and understood by your therapist, and that you find one who fits with your needs and comfort level. If at any time you realize that there are things about your therapist that make you feel uncomfortable or distrustful of them such that it interferes with the therapy process, it is strongly encouraged that you discuss these issues with your therapist directly first so that you can work to resolve these issues together in a way that works for you and your treatment. Therapists are trained to handle these matters with sensitivity, empathy, and care. Their goal is to work with you to make your experience as beneficial as possible. Should that not work, you are encouraged to speak with one of the directors to address your concerns.
7) What is the difference between a Psychologist (Psy.D/Ph.D.), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), and a Psychiatrist (M.D.) at LoSAH?
Although any therapist with these credentials is able to provide psychotherapy, psychiatrists are medical doctors who are able to consider physical symptoms and dispense medication, if indicated. They also engage in talk therapy to address your symptoms and will meet with you to discuss medications for symptoms related to anxiety, depression, etc. Staff psychiatrists at The LoSAH Center will conduct a thorough assessment of your needs. Psychiatry is not provided as a stand-alone service and is always offered in conjunction with therapy. Psychologists, Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW’s), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor’s (LCPC’s), and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) are all able to conduct psychotherapy, in addition to performing a variety of assessments and diagnostic procedures. The main differences between the 3 are in the level and kinds of specializations and training they receive. If you are interested in your therapist’s professional background and experience, that is information that your therapist can provide. The Center also has clinicians-in-training in these disciplines who are supervised by a licensed clinician.
8) What kind of issues can psychotherapy help with?
We provide individual, family, and couples psychotherapy to persons that cover the entire age, gender, and economic spectrum, who present with a wide range of mental health needs and problems including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, complex trauma, ADHD, personality disorders, relational problems, parenting issues, domestic violence, conduct disorders, life transitions and adjustments, substance abuse, and addictions. In some cases, different forms of case management are included in the treatment to facilitate necessary collaboration with outside providers and to link clients in need with additional resources and services.
9) Is what I say to my therapist confidential?
Yes. According to the HIPAA privacy rule, it is required by law that any information you share and disclose with your therapist, and any other provider within in the agency, remain confidential. In other words, “what is said in the room, stays in the room.” It is your therapist’s responsibility to notify you of the privacy policies and explain in detail any circumstance in which client confidentiality can be broken. Generally, when a therapist breaks confidentiality with a client it is for the following reasons: a. the client may be an immediate danger to himself or others. b. the client is endangering a population that cannot protect itself, such as the case of a child or elder abuse. c. To share diagnosis information as necessary to obtain payment for services from insurance companies, in which instance disclosure is limited to the minimum that is necessary to achieve the purpose. This is done with client consent given at the onset of treatment or when changes in insurance take place.
10) Will I be hospitalized?
Typically, hospitalization is necessitated if your therapist has reason to believe that you are an immediate threat to yourself or others, or if your health appears to be in immediate danger. This will occur in consultation with you, when other means are exhausted and cannot ensure your safety.
