Question 1

How do I know if I need therapy?

Accepted Answer

You might benefit from therapy if you're experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, or emptiness that interfere with daily functioning. Other signs include difficulty managing stress, relationship problems, significant life changes, trauma, or when you feel stuck despite your best efforts to move forward. Therapy can help even if your challenges don't feel "severe enough" – prevention and early intervention are valuable.

Question 2

Why am I angry all the time?

Accepted Answer

Persistent anger often signals underlying issues such as unresolved trauma, chronic stress, depression, or feeling powerless. It can also stem from unhealthy learned patterns of emotional expression. Therapy provides a safe space to identify anger triggers, explore root causes, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Through our work together, you can transform anger from a destructive force into a constructive signal that helps you understand your needs.

Question 3

Why do I feel anxious for no reason?

Accepted Answer

Anxiety without an obvious cause often results from subconscious triggers, past experiences, thought patterns, or physical factors. Many clients discover their unexplained anxiety actually has identifiable sources once we begin therapy. By exploring what truly matters to you and what causes your deepest worries, we can better understand your anxiety. We'll practice being present with difficult feelings rather than fighting them, helping you find meaning even in challenging moments. Together, we'll work on accepting your full emotional experience while developing a kinder relationship with yourself.

Question 4

How do I know if I have depression or I'm just sad?

Accepted Answer

While sadness is a normal, temporary emotion typically tied to specific events, depression involves persistent feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, or worthlessness lasting two weeks or longer. Depression often affects sleep, appetite, energy levels, and concentration. If you're questioning whether what you're experiencing is depression, a professional assessment can provide clarity and guide appropriate treatment options.

Question 5

How long does therapy take?

Accepted Answer

The duration of therapy varies based on your specific needs, goals, and the complexity of your concerns. Some clients achieve their goals in 8-12 sessions, while others benefit from longer-term work. We'll discuss expectations during your initial consultation and regularly review progress. Many clients see meaningful improvement within the first few sessions, though deeper change often requires more time. We'll work at a pace that feels right for you.

Question 6

What happens in the first therapy session?

Accepted Answer

Your first session focuses on getting to know each other and establishing goals. I'll ask about your current challenges, relevant history, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions about my approach and experience. We'll discuss confidentiality, scheduling, and payment. This initial meeting helps determine if we're a good fit and lays the foundation for our therapeutic relationship.

Question 7

How often will we meet?

Accepted Answer

Clients typically start with weekly sessions to build momentum and establish trust. If appropriate, we may increase frequency to accelerate progress. Session cadence is tailored to your specific needs, goals, and circumstances—we'll collaborate to determine your optimal schedule.

Question 8

What's the difference between therapy, counseling, and coaching?

Accepted Answer

Therapy (also called psychotherapy) addresses psychological distress, mental health conditions, emotional healing, and personal growth through evidence-based techniques. Counseling typically focuses on specific issues or life transitions with a more solution-focused approach. Coaching centers on achieving personal or professional goals and doesn't address mental health conditions. As a licensed therapist, I provide psychotherapy services while incorporating solution-focused and goal-oriented elements when appropriate.

Question 9

How do I manage overwhelming emotions?

Accepted Answer

Overwhelming emotions often indicate important needs that require attention. Through therapy, you'll learn to identify emotional triggers, develop grounding techniques for intense moments, and build a personalized toolkit of coping strategies. We'll work together to help you process difficult feelings in healthy ways rather than avoiding or being consumed by them. Many clients find significant relief simply from understanding the purpose their emotions serve.

Question 10

Why do I keep repeating the same relationship patterns?

Accepted Answer

Recurring relationship patterns often stem from early attachment experiences, unresolved past relationships, or unmet emotional needs. These patterns can operate subconsciously until we bring awareness to them. In therapy, we'll explore the origins of these patterns, identify triggers, and develop healthier ways of connecting with others. Many clients experience significant relationship improvements as they gain insight into their patterns.

Question 11

How can I reduce stress and prevent burnout?

Accepted Answer

Chronic stress and burnout result from prolonged pressure without adequate recovery or resources. In therapy, we'll assess your specific stressors, identify boundary issues, and develop personalized stress management strategies. You'll learn to recognize early warning signs, implement regular restoration practices, and create sustainable life rhythms that support wellbeing. Many clients find that small, consistent changes lead to significant improvements in stress levels.

Question 12

How do I know if therapy is working?

Accepted Answer

Signs therapy is working include gaining new insights, developing better coping skills, noticing pattern changes, experiencing emotional shifts, receiving feedback from others, and feeling more hopeful. Progress in therapy isn't always linear—breakthrough moments may alternate with challenges. We'll regularly review your goals and progress to ensure the work remains beneficial. Most clients report that therapy helps them feel more capable of managing life's challenges, even when difficulties persist.