6.  Are there consequences if I do not deal with the problem? 

 

 

 

 

 

Deciding that professional assistance is needed leads to the very complex matter of how to obtain such help. For many, it begins with asking for a referral from a family doctor (It’s always a good idea to have a physical check-up to rule out a specific physiological cause.). Others look for guidance from their health insurance or employee assistance plan. Still others ask trusted friends.   Most people now-a-days do their research on the Internet or by looking in the Yellow Pages. Whatever your path, the MOST important thing is for you to make that first appointment. That is the hardest part.  And if you make that first appointment -- show up for it -- don't cancel or be a no-show.  It's normal to feel apprehensive before the first appointment.   Procrastination can often result in the exacerbation of psychological issues.  Also, generally speaking, the longer one waits to seek help, the longer course therapy takes. Sometimes it is necessary to speak to a number of psychotherapists before finding the best approach or "fit" for yourself.   You must feel comfortable with your psychotherapist for therapy to be successful.   

 

 

 

 

Simply stated, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor.   After completing medical school (usually 4 years) those doctors who wish to specialize in Psychiatry will spend the next 3 or 4 years of their residency working with patients in the psychiatric department of the hospital.  The treat-ment modality most often utilized by psychiatrists is pharmacological, but can also include psychotherapy. They have specific training in the use of medications for the treatment of emotional and behavioral problems. Generally speaking, they focus on the more severely disturbed clients / patients who require a combination of medicine and therapy.   These would include psychotic patients, schizophrenic patients, patients with severe and life-threatening eating disorders and suicidal patients.   

 

 

PSYCHOLOGIST 

 

A psychologist has a Doctorate degree in psychology from an accredited university and has to be registered in Ontario with the Ontario Society of Psychologists (OSP).  The Ph.D or Psy.D typically takes 4 years of study after the Bachelor of Arts Degree and Master's degree have been obtained and includes a minimum of two years of full-time clinical experience under the supervision of a licensed psychologist -- often (but not always) in the psychiatric ward of a hospital. Psychologists’ training emphasizes diagnosing and treating psychological and behavioral issues. Psychologists with a Ph.D. are trained under the scientist-practitioner model (strong foundation in research and scientific practice in addition to application of this knowledge to the treatment of emotional and behavioral problems), while Psy.D. graduates are schooled following the practitioner-scholar model (predominantly emphasizes clinical practice).  A psychologist cannot prescribe medications. 

 

PSYCHOTHERAPIST  

 

A psychotherapist has a minimum of a Master of Arts Degree, usually in Counselling Psychology.  In addition, they have taken many courses specifically in psychotherapy and worked under the supervision of a psychologist for varying degrees of time -- depending upon the institution they are attending.   The Adler Instutue of Professional Psychology, from where I graduated, has one of the most rigourous requirements:   1000 hours of clinical supervision.    Psycotherapists tend to see clients who can function in day-to-day life, but have psychological issues, or need support / help. This would include things like anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, panic disorders, PTSD,  relationship problems, marriage counselling, parenting problems, separation and divorce counselling, self esteem issues, career counselling,  etc.  

 

 

 

 

 

First of all, I would like to point out that before a client actually picks up the phone to call about an appointment (or sends an e-mail) they have often stuggled and suffered with their problem for a long time.   The hardest thing to do, by far, is to make the first step.   Then the healing begins . . .

 

The first appointment involves an assessment of the problems that brought you to consider psychotherapy. Psychotherapists are trained to consider each person in terms of the context of one’s life, history, goals, and health. Accordingly, I will be discussing with you how your difficulties are interfering with your life, your relationships, and your life goals, and what you’ve done to try to solve them on your own. I will inquire about your past history to get a sense of where you come from and identify strengths that we can build on.

 

We will discuss any previous therapy you have had -- whether it helped or not, and what you liked / disliked about it.  My inquiry will also include health issues including illnesses and medications and any physical pain you are experiencing, since pain and the limitations that may emerge from health problems can cause emotional (as well as physical) suffering.  In other words, an assessment is an information-gathering session where we look at you holistically -- not just the emotional problem in isolation. 

 

Once the assessment is completed, the next step is to decide if we will work together effectively. What this means for you is to see how well we communicate, whether you sense that I grasp what you’re experiencing, and whether my approach fits with your needs and resources. The key to a successful psychotherapy is our ability to work collaboratively.

 

I will explain the kind of therapy I practice, and how I feel it will help you.  I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches (for example: psychodynamic, interpersonal, & cognitive-behavioral; some art therapy where indicated as well as some dream analysis.   This all depends on the person, the particular issues presented, and what I think will be most effective.   Everyone is different, therefore, the treatment plan for each person is individualized.  

 

 

 

Unfortunately, no-one can answer this question.  Part of the answer lies in the question:  How long have you had this problem?    The longer you have had the problem, generally, the longer therapy will take.     Having said that, my focus is on short-term therapy because I know you are wanting to be well sooner rather than later, and my goal is to get you back on your feet, feeling much better about yourself and either managing or eliminating that which brought you to me in the first place.   Most of my clients come for between 4 - 6 months, although I have had some that required almost a year.   It all depends on how complex the problem is and how long you have suffered with it.    Often a person comes in with one problem and it is discovered that the problem is exasberated by another underlying problem which the person may, or may not, be aware of.  Other times, a person comes to the office with one "presenting problem" which we resolve, meanwhile, that may not have been the real reason for seeing a psychotherapist at all.  By dealing with a "safe" issue, some clients wait to see how comfortable and safe they feel before getting down to the real issues.  

 

 

Absolutely not. Sex therapy is strictly talk therapy.  You will be given exercises to do in the privacy of your own home.   We do not use surrogates either  -  it's kind of a grey area and there is always the danger of being viewed as prostitution in the eyes of the law.  They do not understand nor differentiate between being paid for sex and being paid for sex as it pertains to solving a sexual problem.   Most sex therapy involves a partner, therefore, at some point you may be asked to bring your partner in to help with the problem.  If you do not feel comfortable with this, then we will discuss it -- we may be able to work around it with you still being given exercises to do, and reporting back to me on how successful they were each week.   Without a partner, it is difficult, if not impossible, to address many of the sexual problems that people have.   

 

 

 

 

Not only is it appropriate to ask questions and clarify your concerns with your psychotherapist; it is advisable.  Having numerous questions is the norm rather than the exception when it comes to the field of behavioral and mental health. In fact, it is typical to have a chance for “questions and answers” as part of the initial consultation. There are no restrictions on the kind of questions you may ask. The whole concept actually is that “here is a place that anything may be discussed, no matter how unusual or potentially awkward”. By definition, sessions are totally confidential (with the major exception being if there is imminent and specific threat to self or others). Remember, you have sought out your practitioner because you are looking for answers. So ask your questions without hesitation.