Curious Questions About Therapy:
Feel free to submit a topic or question to Stefanie. Maybe it will land on this page!
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If I go to therapy does not mean I have a mental illness? Therapy is to help you cope with life's challenges. People who go to therapy have made a courageous decision to try and better their lives. Going to therapy means you want to change. Sometimes life can be too much with grief, loss, work problems, etc. A therapist can help you learn healthy ways to handle life's challenges.
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Is my therapist going to be shocked by my story? If you have an experienced therapist, they have listened to many, many, many personal stories. Your therapist is there is there to help you and support you. I usually tell clients, "Everyone (every single person), including me, has experienced any number of issues. We are all humans, and we all live the imperfect human experience."
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How long will I be in therapy? Please talk to your therapist about the duration of your therapy. Some clients continue in treatment for years. If you have a limited time frame for therapy, please inform your therapist so your treatment plan can be tailored to your needs. Also, it is helpful to communicate with your therapist if you decide to stop therapy. Ideally, this can be addressed during a therapy session.
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Is it okay to have more than one therapist? It is better to stick with one therapist at a time. Make sure your therapist has a state board license, and they have done all the training and requirements to practice in your state. Use caution, a 'Certification' is not the same as being a licensed mental health practitioner. Some titles can be misleading for example, 'Certified Coach', Certified Trauma Informed Yoga, Certified Healing Arts, etc. You can verify your provider is licensed to provide mental health services, by contacting your state board licensing agency.
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Is therapy something that anyone can do? It seems so simple. Why do I need a therapist when I have my mom and a best friend? Therapy is a professional relationship. Therapy is not advice giving or coaching. Therapy is a specialized skill set that requires usually a total of 6 years of education (Master's level), 2000-3000 hours of supervised practice in a professional setting, and passing a state board exam that can take up to 4 hours to complete. Many therapists go on to obtain even higher levels of credentialing. Additionally, licensed mental health providers are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. Therapists are trained in evidence-based practice methods proven to help. For more information about Evidence Based Practice Methods click below.
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How does therapist keep from getting depressed and/or burned out after hearing so many personal problems all day? A therapist has an ethical obligation to maintain well-being by practicing good self-care. Social Workers are trained to identify the symptoms of burn out in themselves, and their peers. Stefanie was fortunate enough to have education and training that included a deep dive on personal issues, that might affect her ability to care for herself or others. Having a healthy therapist improves outcomes for therapy clients.
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Stefanie's perspective on self-care: Self-care is a lifestyle, a preventive measure. All therapists should have a consistent source of professional and personal support. I strongly suggest all practitioners have their own therapist or a peer supervisor. Stefanie has a solid support system. She maintains a manageable caseload, sets clear and healthy boundaries, and strives for balanced lifestyle.
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Other Self Care: Stefanie practices yoga, and daily mindful meditation. She has a strong spiritual practice. She is active in a hiking club and enjoys social events with family and friends. She loves gardening, sculpture, photography, and spending time outdoors. Stefanie is an active volunteer for several organizations. She takes care of her physical health by avoiding drugs and alcohol, journaling, and getting daily exercise. She prioritizes getting a good night sleep, clean eating, attending doctor appointments, and doing age required health screenings. Tending to myself is not always easy, but If I'm slipping on self-care, I try to get back on track as soon as possible.
P.S. Chocolate is a weakness.
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