Is therapy confidential?
Oklahoma law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and therapist. Information is not disclosed without prior written permission from the client.
The exceptions to this rule are:
1. Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
2. If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
3. If a client intends to inflict harm upon himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.
I can usually handle my problems on my own; do I really need therapy?
We go to the doctor when our bodies are sick, we go to the dentist when our teeth hurt. Going to a therapist when overwhelmed, even if you’ve been able to manage the struggle previously is no different. Often if you’ve managed multiple transitions or difficult situations back to back, you will overload your normal coping mechanisms and need some help to reset. Knowing when and who to ask for help is a sign of maturity. Therapy provides long lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-therapy/201403/8-more-reasons-go-therapy
How can therapy help me?
Therapy helps by providing a safe, nurturing relationship with no judgement. It can offer a fresh perspective on an issue. It enhances communication skills and helps build appropriate boundaries. It also offers a platform for growth and change which promotes a stronger sense of self and increases daily life satisfaction levels.
What is therapy like?
We talk. We explore. I listen. I listen to what you say and what you don’t say. Your story becomes the paramount purpose of the relationship. You get to change your story by processing the parts of it that don’t make sense or are hurtful. Therapy isn’t about what I think, it’s about what you need. It’s me listening without correction, without judgment, without expectation. Sessions will be catered to your needs and wants. Everyone’s therapy looks and sounds a bit different, but at the forefront of it all is your healing. The relationship is active and requires an investment from each of us, but the return often far outweighs the work.
Is medication a substitute for therapy?
In some cases, a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor, you can determine what is best for you. Research tells us that medication is not a long-term solution for mental health struggles. The pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Medication treats the symptoms, but therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that interfere with progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.
