Frequently Asked Questions
If you have never been to therapy before odds are you have many questions regarding the process and what to expect. Below I have addressed some of the most common questions I receive from new clients.
Does coming to therapy mean there is something wrong with me?
No, not at all. In fact, I believe that coming in to therapy means something is going very right in your life even though it may not feel like it. What I mean by that is asking for help and support is actually a positive reaction to stress. Life can give us very large challenges and trying to face them alone is often the most common response but it is rarely the most effective. When you give yourself the space to have an unbiased support system the brain calms down and many solutions to issues as well as space to feel your emotions may arise and then the healing process begins. When we try to deal with this on our own our brain stays in survival mode so true healing doesn't have space to begin.
How does looking in to my past help me?
Our society is one of "what's next", rarely letting ourselves enjoy the moment let alone deal with things from our past. I believe that our biggest strength is found in addressing our thoughts, feelings and challenges in the moment which is why I put so much emphasis on using mindfulness and meditation techniques. However, it can be very difficult, if not impossible to stay in the moment and deal with things as they come if we have not given space to the trauma and pain we have carried with us from our past. The interesting thing I have learned through my work and training about emotional pain and trauma is that it has a need to be looked at in order for us not to be bothered by it in our present. If we keep putting off this process we will be carrying these emotions with us and they will indeed have an impact on our here and now, by way of dampening our happiest moments or even causing us to lash out when under everyday stressors.
I have so much pain in my past-is it too late to deal with it now?
As I said above-emotional pain is persistent, it is always ready to be addressed-it will even wait years for this opportunity. So no, I don't believe it is ever too late to begin living a life that is more rewarding and free from suffering.
How is therapy different from getting talking to friends and family?
Talking with friends and family can be a very nice option for every day stressors-it feels so nice to be supported by our loved ones. However, it can sometimes be difficult to be properly heard and supported because our friends and family have a bias. The great thing about coming to therapy is that you are provided with unbiased support, you are being heard from someone that see's you solely as you and your experiences-without the lenses of "child", "friend" or "partner" standing in the way of the support you are needing. Having this experience can be very liberating and leads to wonderful personal growth.
Does coming to therapy mean there is something wrong with me?
No, not at all. In fact, I believe that coming in to therapy means something is going very right in your life even though it may not feel like it. What I mean by that is asking for help and support is actually a positive reaction to stress. Life can give us very large challenges and trying to face them alone is often the most common response but it is rarely the most effective. When you give yourself the space to have an unbiased support system the brain calms down and many solutions to issues as well as space to feel your emotions may arise and then the healing process begins. When we try to deal with this on our own our brain stays in survival mode so true healing doesn't have space to begin.
How does looking in to my past help me?
Our society is one of "what's next", rarely letting ourselves enjoy the moment let alone deal with things from our past. I believe that our biggest strength is found in addressing our thoughts, feelings and challenges in the moment which is why I put so much emphasis on using mindfulness and meditation techniques. However, it can be very difficult, if not impossible to stay in the moment and deal with things as they come if we have not given space to the trauma and pain we have carried with us from our past. The interesting thing I have learned through my work and training about emotional pain and trauma is that it has a need to be looked at in order for us not to be bothered by it in our present. If we keep putting off this process we will be carrying these emotions with us and they will indeed have an impact on our here and now, by way of dampening our happiest moments or even causing us to lash out when under everyday stressors.
I have so much pain in my past-is it too late to deal with it now?
As I said above-emotional pain is persistent, it is always ready to be addressed-it will even wait years for this opportunity. So no, I don't believe it is ever too late to begin living a life that is more rewarding and free from suffering.
How is therapy different from getting talking to friends and family?
Talking with friends and family can be a very nice option for every day stressors-it feels so nice to be supported by our loved ones. However, it can sometimes be difficult to be properly heard and supported because our friends and family have a bias. The great thing about coming to therapy is that you are provided with unbiased support, you are being heard from someone that see's you solely as you and your experiences-without the lenses of "child", "friend" or "partner" standing in the way of the support you are needing. Having this experience can be very liberating and leads to wonderful personal growth.