Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need psychotherapy? Does my loved one need a therapist?

• Does therapy help?

• If I need a therapist, am I “crazy” or “mentally ill?” Will others think I’m crazy?

• How do I find a good therapist?

• What is therapy like? How long does it take?

• Which therapeutic approach is right for me?

• What is the difference between a psychologist, a psychiatrist, and a social worker?

• What is hypnosis like? Do I give up control?

• Is all information about me kept confidential?

Do I need psychotherapy? Does my loved one need a therapist?

When you want an objective opinion or expert information and advice for a concern you have, seeking therapy may be the answer. This is especially true if it has been difficult to resolve it on your own. Also, you might talk with a therapist if you are concerned about leaning too heavily on friends or family for help, because you don’t want to strain these relationships. You might also go to therapy because a loved one asks you to see a therapist with him or her. In addition, your physician or other trusted professional might recommend therapy for you. Please read “Do I Need Therapy? An Expert Tells You How to Decide.”

Does therapy help?

Therapy can be extremely helpful, but how effective it is depends on many factors: the therapist’s competence, the depth and number of issues a client brings to therapy, how chronic the problems are, and resources available to the client (such as time and energy). In my experience, people who elect therapy, and then work hard and consistently, make wonderful progress. Please read “Psychotherapy: Can It Help You or Your Loved Ones?"

If I need a therapist, am I “crazy” or “mentally ill?” Will others think I’m crazy? Is there something wrong with me?

The short answers are “No”! People go to therapy for many different reasons. Some work on more serious psychological conditions, but many discuss how to cope with problems in daily living, or how to grow to reach their full potential. Over the years I have been in practice, I have seen more acceptance of therapy, especially in Madison, where it seems to be commonplace and appreciated for its benefits.

How do I find a good therapist?

This can be a very challenging search; it is such an important relationship but there is typically no organized system for finding one. (Please read “Finding a Therapist: Taking the Next Step to Wellness.) HMOs usually have a restricted list of psychotherapists you can choose from. However, having the freedom to choose a therapist who really fits you is so important. It can make all the difference between benefiting from treatment or not. If you can choose your therapist, you might start by getting several names from different sources, such as from friends or family members who have benefited from a particular therapist. You can also ask a professional you know, such as your physician, your minister, priest, or rabbi, or your attorney. Once you find a therapist, it is crucial you feel he or she is interested in helping you and seems competent to do so. Does the therapist have a plan to help you? S/he should also be able to give you a general idea of how long treatment might take. Do you feel listened to and can you be yourself? Trust your “gut feeling” about the therapist.

What is therapy like? How long does it take?

The process of therapy varies somewhat by practitioner and client, but generally follows a similar course. The first session or two usually involves an assessment of the problem(s), an agreement between therapist and client on the problem definition, and a review of your relevant history, health, and social information, etc. A therapist should be able to give you an idea of how long your therapy might take. If you do not feel there is progress within 5-10 sessions (or, indeed, at any time), you should bring this up with your therapist.

WHich therapeUtic approach is right for me?

I sometimes use all three therapy approaches with the same individual, which can be very powerful. However, moving from individual to couples therapy, or visa versa, requires a discussion about the pros and cons of adding another therapeutic approach.

What is the difference between a psychologist, a psychiatrist, and a social worker?

Psychologists usually have a doctorate (Ph.D.) in psychology and have completed a supervised internship. They have years of experience beyond the doctorate and offer several types of therapy. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental disorders and prescribes medications. Some have training to do psychotherapy, but many do not. Social workers often have a Master’s degree in social work and may specialize in an area such as drug and alcohol addiction; they often do community work as well as therapy.

What is hypnosis like? Do I give up control?

What kinds of problems can hypnosis be helpful for? As stated under Services and Hypnosis/Hypnotherapy it’s a treatment approach that can be very successful for eliminating unwanted habits, reducing pain, helping with relaxation and self-esteem, and decreasing anxiety, such as test anxiety. The hypnotherapist helps the client become deeply relaxed using deep-breathing, muscle relaxation, and visual imaging. The client is open to suggestions for changes which have been agreed upon in advance by the client and therapist. You do not lose control; you can talk, move, etc. (I think of it as similar to the experience we have just before falling asleep, when we are aware of our surroundings, but prefer to stay quiet, receptive, and relaxed.) Hypnosis session are recorded, if you like so you can practice at home. Sessions usually take between 15 and 20 minutes.

Is all information about me kept confidential?           

It is very important that you know our office follows extremely strict guidelines to keep all information about you in absolute confidence. This includes your phone calls, emails, and any other written material about you. No one is able to access information about you without your prior written consent and they wouldn’t know you were a client of mine.