The types of problems for which people often seek help typically fall into the following three categories:
Negative Self-Perception – Some people have a persistently negative view of themselves. These negative feelings may persist despite many strengths and accomplishments. Therapy can be a way to develop a more realistic view of self.
Relationships – Humans are social by nature and require contact with others for our very existence. For many, the ability to form and maintain relationships can be very challenging. Therapy can be an opportunity to work on the issues that prevent you from having satisfying relationships.
Symptoms – Many people experience distressing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, moodiness, trouble concentrating, insomnia, or chronically feeling overwhelmed by stress. There are many scientifically proven methods to help people alleviate and/or cope with these symptoms. At Healthy Synergy our well-trained therapists can help you apply those methods to reduce or eliminate the negative symptoms you experience.
The types of problems for which people often seek help typically fall into the following three categories:
Negative Self-Perception – Some people have a persistently negative view of themselves. These negative feelings may persist despite many strengths and accomplishments. Therapy can be a way to develop a more realistic view of self.
Relationships – Humans are social by nature and require contact with others for our very existence. For many, the ability to form and maintain relationships can be very challenging. Therapy can be an opportunity to work on the issues that prevent you from having satisfying relationships.
Therapy works in many different ways depending upon your needs and concerns. It is a process that begins with the development of a strong working relationship between you and the therapist. While developing this relationship the therapist conducts a thorough assessment of your treatment needs. Using this assessment, the therapist works with you to develop a plan that incorporates the best-supported approaches for your concerns. The entire process is highly dependent on a strong collaborative relationship between you and the therapist where you feel comfortable expressing yourself freely.
At Healthy Synergy treatment is based on an integration of many different therapy approaches. These approaches include Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Prolonged Exposure Therapy. For more information about these approaches please go to Therapy Approaches.
1. If you make a serious threat to harm yourself or another person, the law requires your therapist to protect you or that other person. This usually means telling others about the threat.
2. If the therapist suspects a child has been or will be abused or neglected, they are legally required to report this suspicion to the authorities.
There are many ways that you the client also contribute to the success of therapy. Highly important to the success of therapy is your willingness and motivation for change. While people come to therapy to make changes in their lives, it can feel very difficult and scary. Fear or ambivalence about making changes can really inhibit one’s ability to move forward. The therapist can provide support in the change process, by breaking it in to more manageable parts, but if willingness and motivation to make the change is not present it will not occur. The therapist is there to facilitate the process, but only you can make the changes that will lead to positive feelings associated with growth.
Success is also dependent on how comfortable you feel with your therapist. If you feel your therapist is competent, open-minded, trustworthy, and able to provide a warm and nurturing environment, it is likely that therapy will be successful. Your ability to give your therapist feedback about how the process is working for you also helps make treatment effective, because it allows the therapist to make adjustments in therapy. Sharing what is working and what is not working with your therapist can greatly improve the success of treatment.
For an additional information about what makes therapy successful, please visit: The American Psychological Association.
The American Psychological Association (APA) has set specific standards that place many limits on the relationship between a therapist and client, with the intent of protecting you. It is for this reason that a therapist cannot at any time be a close friend to you or socialize with you. They can never have a sexual or romantic relationship with you during, or after, the course of therapy. Even though you might invite your therapist to a family gathering, they will not attend. As your therapist, they will not celebrate holidays or give you gifts; they may not notice or recall your birthday, and may not receive your gifts. They can also not have a business relationship with you, other than the therapy relationship. These limits are to protect you and should never be confused as a personal response to you.
Additionally, state laws and the rules of the APA require a therapist to keep what you tell them confidential. They cannot even reveal who their clients are. This is to maintain your privacy. If they happen to meet you on the street or socially, they may not say hello or talk to you so that they do not reveal your relationship to others who may be present. This is not a personal reaction to you, but a way to maintain the confidentiality of your relationship.