Individual Therapy

Therapy is an individualized process, tailored to each person’s unique needs, history, and goals. The length of therapy depends on several factors, including:

• Your starting point – Your emotional and mental state when beginning therapy influences the pace of progress.

• Your goals – Short-term therapy may be effective for those seeking support through a life transition, while deeper, long-standing challenges—such as childhood trauma, attachment wounds, or complex relational patterns—often require longer-term work.

• Your level of engagement – Progress depends on how actively you participate, both in and outside of therapy. Applying insights, practicing new behaviors, and integrating changes into daily life accelerate growth.

• Logistical considerations – Coordinating sessions for multiple family members, scheduling conflicts, and ensuring each person has space to process their emotions can add to the timeline.

• The therapeutic approach – Some structured methods, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), may provide symptom relief in a few months, while depth-oriented therapies, such as attachment-based or psychodynamic therapy, often require more time to address underlying patterns.

For some, therapy is a short-term intervention (a few months) offering tools for immediate concerns. For others, it is a longer journey, fostering deep healing and transformation. Progress is not always linear, but with the right therapist and a strong commitment to the process, meaningful change is possible.

Yes, therapy is confidential, meaning that what you share in sessions is private and will not be disclosed without your consent. However, there are exceptions dictated by law where a therapist is required to break confidentiality, including:

• Risk of Harm – If there is a credible threat of harm to yourself or others, the therapist is legally obligated to intervene to prevent harm.

• Child or Elder Abuse – Therapists must report any suspected abuse or neglect of children, elderly individuals, or vulnerable adults.

• Court Orders – If a court subpoenas records or requires testimony, a therapist may be compelled to release certain information.

• Danger to the Community – If there is a threat to the safety of the community or a specific individual, a therapist may need to take action.

To ensure greater confidentiality, one step you can take is to opt out of using insurance for therapy. By not submitting superbills or claims through insurance, your therapy remains private and won’t be documented in insurance records, providing an extra layer of confidentiality.

You don't need to stress about preparing for therapy. It's perfectly normal if you aren’t sure where to start or if the source of your distress feels unclear. Part of the therapeutic process is helping you identify and bring awareness to what’s causing your distress.

If you’re feeling uncertain, just bringing your feelings or thoughts to the session is enough to start the process. Therapy is a co-creation between you and the therapist, where we work together to explore and understand what’s on your mind.

On the other hand, if you have clarity about what you want to focus on, it’s helpful to share that with your therapist. This can guide the session and help target specific areas, making the most of your time together. Ultimately, therapy is a journey, and there’s no right or wrong way to show up—just bring yourself as you are.

You can gauge progress in therapy through changes in your somatic, interpersonal, emotional, and mental states. Here are some signs of progress in each of these areas:

• Somatic (Physical) State:
  
  

  • You may notice reduced physical tension, less frequent headaches, or a decrease in muscle tightness.

  • Improved sleep patterns, with less insomnia or waking up feeling rested, can be a positive sign.

  • Feeling more relaxed in your body during or after stressful situations.

• Interpersonal (Relationship) State:
  
  

  • You experience less conflict in your relationships, or you handle disagreements in a healthier way.

  • Your ability to set boundaries and communicate more effectively improves.

  • Increased empathy or understanding in your interactions with others, leading to stronger connections.

• Emotional State:
  
  

  • You feel more in touch with and able to express your emotions, rather than suppressing them.

  • Emotional reactions to stressful situations may become more manageable, with fewer intense mood swings or emotional outbursts.

  • A growing sense of emotional resilience, where you bounce back more quickly after setbacks.

• Mental State:
  
  

  • You notice more clarity in your thinking, with less self-doubt or confusion about decisions.

  • Your ability to stay present and focused improves, with fewer distracting thoughts or ruminations.

  • You may begin to feel more hopeful and optimistic about the future, with a greater sense of self-awareness.

These are just a few examples, but the key is that you begin to feel more equipped to handle challenges, experience more peace in your daily life, and notice improvements in how you think, feel, and relate to others.