Seeking therapy can be daunting. How do you pick the right person to see? How do you explain what you want to accomplish? How long will therapy last? These are all valid and important questions, and, honestly, the answers tend to vary significantly depending on the therapist, the client, and the goals. So, let's talk generally about what to look for in a therapist, and, should you choose to work with me, my therapy style.
"FIT" BETWEEN THERAPIST AND CLIENT
Productive therapy does depend upon a good fit between the client and the therapist. After all, this is an important relationship that is built on a foundation of trust. So meet with a potential therapist and consider the following questions in deciding whether the two of you are a good fit:
Can you picture the development of a trusting relationship?
Do you feel comfortable with this person?
Is your experience one of support while also being challenged and encouraged to move forward in your life?
Does the therapist have the skills and training to help you with your specific concerns?
You may need to meet a few potential therapists to find the one who is right for you.
In regard to my therapy practice, the development of that trusting relationship is critically important to me. I am invested in the welfare of each of my clients; I sincerely want you to get better and to move on with your life (while also knowing that if you need a "booster session" down the road, I'll be available). I also happen to really enjoy getting to know my clients and believe that as hard as therapy can be at times, a little bit of shared laughter can go a long way toward lightening the load. I don't know anyone who enjoys feeling judged by someone else (I know I don't!) so passing judgment on my clients is not part of my skill set. My style is one of collaboration with my client, working together to move you forward. I welcome the opportunity to meet with you for a free 30-minute consultation to meet me and to answer your questions about therapy.
GOAL SETTING IN THERAPY
A skilled therapist will be able to help you define and clarify your concerns and your goals. It's perfectly OK to say, "something isn't right in my life" and ask the therapist to help you take it from there. Part of the process of therapy is in sorting through the noise of past experiences and memories, daily life, and concerns and desires regarding the future to determine the specific sources of distress and appropriate interventions.
In my practice this, again, is where collaboration plays a key role. We'll work together first to identify what specifically is contributing to your concerns (it's not always clear at first!) and then we'll put together a treatment plan that seems do-able to you. The world's best treatment plan will fail if the client doesn't feel comfortable with it; we will work together to make sure our treatment plan is going to move you toward your goals.
HOW LONG WILL THERAPY LAST?
There is no magic number of sessions. I have found in my work that, for a very focused concern a few sessions of therapy may provide appropriate direction and relief for the client. For more persistent difficulties, such as symptoms of depression and anxiety, 8-12 sessions of therapy is often sufficient to provide new skills in regard to thinking, coping, and behaving that will provide relief. For long-standing personality concerns, a longer course of therapy may be needed. With any of these difficulties, it may be helpful to return to see the therapist after therapy ends for an occasional "booster session." Ongoing, open communication between therapist and client in regard to your progress and your expectations is key to a successful outcome.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jana Drew, please call her at 512-960-5265 or contact her here. Dr. Drew provides free 30-minute consultations and would welcome the opportunity to work with you.