Question 1

How can therapy help me?

Accepted Answer

A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
 • Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
 • Developing skills for improving your relationships
 • Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
 • Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
 • Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
 • Improving communications and listening skills
 • Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
 • Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
 • Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

Question 2

Do I really need therapy?

Accepted Answer

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. 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.

Question 3

Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?

Accepted Answer

People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy.   Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well.  Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creative blocks.  Therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods.  Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life.   In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.

Question 4

What is therapy like?

Accepted Answer

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual.  In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session.  Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development.  Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly).
 
It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process.  The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life.  Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process - such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives and take responsibility for their lives.

Question 5

How long will I need therapy?

Accepted Answer

I am here during your journey to achieve your current goals and to help you develop the skills you need to be successful with challenges that you may face in the future. That means that some clients may require just a few sessions while other clients may need several months or years of therapy. The length of time you'll need to see me is up to you. You're in the driver's seat and are able to control how many sessions you or your child would like to have with me as we progress.

Question 6

Medication vs. psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.  Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you, and in some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action.

Question 7

Do you take insurance?

Accepted Answer

Currently, clients with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Cigna, and United Healthcare may use their health insurance benefits at Erin Booher Counseling. I am continuously working on expanding the acceptance of additional health insurance providers. Please refer to the information on the Rates & Insurance page and/or contact us for more information.

Question 8

Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office.   Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone.  This is called “Informed Consent”.  Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission. If you have questions regarding your informed consent, please do not hesistant to reach out to RST for further clarification. 
 
However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
 
 • Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
 • If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threated to harm another person.

Question 9

What if my child doesn't want to come to therapy but I see that she/he needs help?

Accepted Answer

Many children & teens are apprehensive about seeing a counselor. You and your loved one can rest assured that I take time to really get to know both the parents and the child(ren) so that I can create a trusting connection.  
 
That means we may talk, play games, draw or do other interactive activities that will help gain trust so that they learn to value the time we spend together and enjoy their counseling experience so that they willingly come back for more.
 
If your child still doesn't feel comfortable participating after working through the first few sessions, we'll make sure you know what your options are so that you can do your best to help them.

Question 10

What if I would like family counseling by my spouse or family doesn't?

Accepted Answer

Individual sessions are a great way to help mitigate this potential issue. There are occasions where your family member will pick up on how well you've been doing and how much you've grown with our counseling sessions and be intrigued to learn more and start participating with you.

Question 11

If you see my child for individual therapy, what is my involvement as a parent?"

Accepted Answer

The younger the child, the more I involve parents in the care and progress of counseling. Parents know their children best and provide a very special point of view for me to help ensure that progress is made during counseling sessions.
 
For those with older children, we can decide together how involved you would like to be. 
 
You will find the most information about your involvement during the initial session where I will cover how the child's confidentiality will work with a parents' need to know what is being discussed during counseling sessions. Parent participation is key to the child's success and I will make sure that the right balance is used for the best possible results.

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