What is therapy?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THERAPY
Why do people go to therapy?
People come to psychotherapy for many different reasons and with different hopes and expectations. Some have tried psychotherapy before and found it useful and come back for more. Others may have had a mixed experience with therapy but are in a tight spot and are willing to give it a go again. Usually, the impetus for therapy is some kind of a life crisis or difficult passage. Many arrive sad, confused, overwhelmed, and may be going through what is sometimes called “the dark night of the soul.” In such times, a skilled, authentic, and caring person can make the suffering bearable and allow it to 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 sleuth. Together, we carefully investigate potential blocks and defenses that are no longer working, discovering new ways of being in the world. It’s 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?
Individual Psychotherapy: Knowing When it’s for You. Deciding to start counseling or therapy is often a unique decision as we all manage our emotions in different ways. 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 and finding or keeping a job can be difficult even though others around you 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.
- 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?
Ever wonder what takes place in a group experience of therapy? Group therapy provides psychotherapy treatment in a format where typically six to twelve participants work with one or two therapists on a related issue. The participants gain awareness not only from the interventions of the therapist but also from observing, interacting, and receiving feedback from other group members. Advantages to group therapy include:
- Feedback from others - Group therapy can provide the participant with different perspectives from different people, which is often helpful in promoting growth and insight.
- Gained awareness with social skills - Group leaders often model ways to interact with others that involve clear and effective communication skills. This often 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 can quickly learn to add new coping skills to his or her behaviors. This new variety of perspectives can be 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 the group in an authentic way and to give and receive valuable feedback from other group members. While it can feel scary at first 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 how little is shared with others and participants are never be forced to disclose thoughts or feelings unless they choose to.
View information on upcoming groups and workshops.
What is depression?
Depression is a feeling of being low or tired or sad or overwhelmed. It can be minor or quite strong with feelings of hopelessness, deep sadness or grief, and inability to motivate yourself to get out of bed or do anything. It can affect your eating and sleeping patterns. It may also include thoughts of desperation and of ending your life. It can last for moments, weeks or continue for years. Many people learn to tolerate depression and suffer with it. It is quite normal to have experiences of depression at some point during your life – everyone will. Whether the depression is minor or strong 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, our therapists can help you to discover your emotions and the source of your feelings more fully. They can also help you learn behaviors that can help you manage depression in the future. At the same time Golden Gate Integral Counseling Center is not a crisis center. If you are depressed and vaguely thinking about taking your own life you may find the Web link below to be helpful. If you are feeling suicidal and quite overwhelmed then seek help immediately by calling:
- Suicide Prevention and Crisis Hotline, 415-781-0500