Common Questions
What can I expect from therapy at Deep Canyon Counseling?
It seems true that expectations come from different parts of your conscious mind and that many questions may come up for you if you are considering getting therapy.If you have had therapy before, then you already have some idea of what it will be like. For example, you will expect to fill out some initial paperwork. You will know that most of what is talked about in therapy is confidential. You may have already decided that you want either a female or a male therapist. Best of all, if you have some referrals from people you trust, you will have an opportunity to have a talk with them when you call to set up an appointment.If you have never had therapy before, making the first call for an appointment may be of some concern. Expectations may more likely be questions such as: What will therapy be like? What will the person I see be like? Will I get the help I need? Maybe the biggest question of all is: Will I be safe? We can assure you that every counselor at Deep Canyon Counseling is well trained, safe, friendly, and maintains high legal and ethical standards. All the therapists (including the interns) working at DCC have been in practice from 1 to over 15 years. All are capable of helping you sort through your issues and guiding you toward self-empowerment.You will also find our offices to be comfortable, attractive, private and tranquil. Of course, please discuss any concerns you have with your prospective therapist and expect genuine assistance and direction, as a result. Why do people seek therapy?
People come into therapy for a variety of reasons. Some have specific challenges to their mental health & well-being or perhaps sudden unexpected changes occurring in their lives, while others are seeking self-exploration, personal growth, & actualization. Therapy can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping skills for issues such as depression, anxiety, grief & loss, lack of confidence, low self-esteem, relationship issues, unresolved childhood issues, spiritual conflicts, stress management, body image issues, and a variety of other concerns. People seeking psychotherapy are typically looking for guidance, someone objective to talk to, and are willing to take responsibility for their behaviors. Therapy provides such people with an opportunity to create greater understanding in their lives and to grow & work toward change, healing, and peace.How does therapy work?
The first step is to realize you do not have to handle your problems by yourself and sometimes it takes someone outside of your family system, who is qualified and impartial, to help and serve as a guide. Therapy can be beneficial in many ways. First, you must take that important first step and realize you can ask for help. It can be a relief to know that once you make that call, there will be a therapist to support you while you work through your difficulties. Therapy is helpful because you can talk about things you might have been stuffing inside with no real answers. It can help to clarify things as you explore and gain increased understanding of your issues. And...you can do this in a safe and supportive environment. Different therapists work from various theoretical perspectives and with uniques styles. So, interview prospective therapists to find the right fit for you. In time, and the time spent in therapy is determined by you and your therapist, you may be able to free yourself of your personal burdens, feeling more empowered and tuned into your own self-care. There is a saying, "It works if you work it," and this holds true for your own therapeutic experience.What types of therapy do you offer?
At DCC, we have several therapists, each of whom offer various services, techniques, specializations, and practice from a variety of theoretical perspectives. We offer therapy with groups, individuals, families, couples, adolescents, and children. We offer a range of therapeutic modalities and we encourage you to interview prospective therapists and inquire about their individual practices, expertise, and vision.What are the benefits of therapy?
Many people find therapy to be a tremendous help in working through their problems with the support and guidance of a skilled, compassionate licensed psychotherapist. With insight and clarity you will find new ways to cope with stress and anxiety, to manage anger, depression, and other emotional pressures that affect your personal growth, relationships, family or career. You can improve communication skills and learn how to listen to others and have others listen to you. Learn how to break old patterns and behaviors that have been holding you back from living a happier more fulfilled life by developing new ways of dealing with old issues. Improve your self-esteem and increase your self-confidence and be able to make the necessary changes toward living a better life. What if I don’t know what my goals are?
Sometimes a person seeking therapy is merely feeling ‘out of sorts’ and is having difficulty figuring out what they would like to accomplish in therapy. Be open with your therapist about these concerns and he or she can help you to discover what direction to take in treatment. Will my therapy be confidential?
We know how difficult it can be to make the decision to engage in the process of therapy and trust someone else (especially someone you don’t know) with issues that are very important to you and that may increase your experience of vulnerability. So, it is essential that the information you disclose to your therapist be held in confidence. You have an absolute right to privacy. However, there are certain pieces of information, which by law, cannot be held in confidence. For instance, a therapist is mandated by law to report any child abuse, elder abuse, or abuse of a dependent adult that is discovered. Any time that a therapist suspects that you, as a client, are deemed to be of harm to yourself or someone else, then he or she cannot hold your confidence. It is our ethical responsibility and desire to maintain the safety of our clients and the safety of others.How long does a session last?
Typically, a therapy session is 50 minutes in length. A “50-minute hour,” as we call it, gives the therapist time between sessions to reflect on the session with you, make any necessary notations, and prepare for the next session. Some therapists will conduct 25-30 minute sessions for check-up purposes, although it is not typical. Some therapists also hold longer sessions from time to time that may extend to 1 ½-2 hours, for instance. This is usually done for the purposes of utilizing special techniques, such as hypnosis or EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), or because it may be more conducive to effective couples or family therapy. These are relevant questions to be discussed with your individual therapist.What if I am not happy with the therapist I meet for the first time?
It is ok and totally your decision to seek and retain the therapist of your choice. The therapy is dedicated to you and your personal growth, not to pleasing anyone, hurting anyone's feelings, or making the therapist happy. If, upon a first or second appointment, you do not feel it is a good fit, you are free to choose someone else that might better suit your therapeutic needs. You may want to discuss this with your therapist, so that he or she can give you some referrals to therapists that may be a better fit for you.Deep Canyon Counseling
