What is therapy?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THERAPY

 

Why do people enter therapy?

People come to psychotherapy for varying reasons and with different hopes and expectations. Some have tried psychotherapy before and found it useful. Others have had a mixed or even sub-par experience with therapy but in a difficult time, recognize the need for outside assistance and hope for a better experience this time. Frequently, the impetus for therapy is some kind of a life crisis or difficult passage. Many arrive sad, confused, overwhelmed, and may be going through a “dark night of the soul.” In such times, a skilled and caring therapist can make the suffering bearable and help facilitate change.

Some clients are already doing quite well in their lives and are looking to uncover additional energy and creativity with the help of a trained guide. Together, we carefully investigate potential blocks and defenses that are no longer working, discovering new ways of being in the world. It is a bit like going on a archeology dig. Sometimes a fresh view comes into focus almost unexpectedly, and there is suddenly more vitality. A renewed and deeper sense of self begins to emerge.

Is individual therapy right for me?

You may want to consider beginning therapy when:

  • Relationships are not satisfying and you want to learn more about patterns you notice in personal relationships

  • You sometimes have trouble with co-workers or finding or keeping a job – especially when others seem to have less difficulty coping

  • You are frequently distressed about something that has happened in the past or you worry a great deal about what may happen in the future

  • You feel anxiety, sad feelings, or have problems managing anger or tears

  • You recognize behaviors and wonder if they are out of control or addictive. You want to learn more

  • You feel the need for support but do not have the kind of support available to you that seems to help

  • You generally recognize you have a life that works but you want to gain insight into your innermost thoughts and feelings

Therapy often ends when:

  • You have found positive or rewarding ways to take care of yourself such that your distress is reduced or eliminated

  • You have gained enough insight into your behaviors such that you can be clear about what you want from the world and from yourself

  • You notice that you are free of the problems you first brought to therapy

  • You have a life that works on many different levels and is satisfying, most of the time

Is group therapy right for me?

Group therapy provides psychotherapy in a format of typically six to twelve participants working with one to two therapists on a related issue. The participants gain insight not only from the interventions of the therapist but also from observing, interacting with, and receiving feedback from other group members. Advantages to group therapy include:

  • Feedback from others - Group therapy provides you with different perspectives than your own or those close to them. Groups offer more honest feedback about how the participants are being seen and received by others, than is available in everyday life. Group experiences are helpful in promoting awareness, insight and growth in relationships outside the group.

  • Gained awareness with social skills - Group leaders model ways to interact with others that involve clear and effective communication skills. This allows participants to generalize their new learning to other social situations such that all relationships benefit from the group encounter.

  • Modeling - By observing how other participants handle similar issues or problems, people quickly learn new coping skills and behaviors that they may not have previously considered. These new perspectives are an excellent way to “test out” new ways of being in other relationships or situations.

Groups aim at providing a safe, supportive environment. This allows participants to come forward in an authentic way and to give and receive valuable feedback to and from other group members. While it can be scary to share personal experiences, most people become comfortable over a short period of time. Group work always allows for the individual to choose how much or little is shared with others, and participants are never forced to disclose thoughts or feelings unless they so choose.

View information on upcoming groups and workshops.

What is depression?

When someone is depressed, they feel low, tired, sad, overwhelmed and/or irritable. A person can function through mild depression. With severe depression, feelings of hopelessness may overwhelm you or fatigue may inhibit your ability to motivate yourself, at all. Depression can affect your eating and sleeping patterns. It may include obsessive or suicidal thoughts. It can last for days, weeks or continue for years. Many people learn to tolerate depression and simply suffer with it. It is quite normal to have experiences of depression at some point during your life. Whether the depression is mild or severe there is no need to suffer through it. Seek help. There are many proven therapies that can work to reduce your suffering.

At Golden Gate Integral Counseling Center, we do not prescribe medication, though we can provide you with referrals when appropriate. Our therapists can help you to discover the source of your feelings more fully. They can help you learn behaviors and coping strategies that help you feel better now and manage depression in the future. Golden Gate Integral Counseling Center is not a crisis center. If you are depressed and vaguely contemplating taking your life, you may find the Web link below helpful. If you are feeling suicidal and overwhelmed, seek help immediately by calling:

  • Suicide Prevention and Crisis Hotline, 415-781-0500

 

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