Dr. Vena Blanchard, DHS

How can therapy help me? 

A skilled counselor can provide emotional support, new perspectives, and encouragement during difficult times. The process of therapy helps you develop problem-solving skills and coping strategies, and provides an emotional foundation for addressing issues such as:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Relationship troubles

• Unresolved childhood issues

• Grief

• Stress management

• Body image issues

• Sexual difficulties

• Existential crises

• Creative blocks

 

Many people find therapy is a powerful asset during times of personal and family stress, or when embarking on the exciting process of personal growth and relationship enhancement, and in general for gaining mastery over the everyday hassles of life.

 

The right therapist gives you fresh perspectives and guidance toward solutions that work best for you. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process, and whether you put the things you learn through therapy into practice.

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Some of the benefits of therapy include:

• Attaining a better understanding of yourself (your goals and values)

• Developing skills for improving your relationships

• Finding a resolution to longstanding emotional issues or behavioral concerns 

• Learning new ways to reduce and/or cope with stress and anxiety

• Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures

• Improving listening and communication skills

• Changing old behavior patterns and developing new and healthy habits

• Exploring new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage

• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

• Coming to acceptance and achieving integration

 

Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.

 
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life. 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—that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you are in life, and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, and gives you the tools you need to avoid triggers, redirect damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face. 

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

People have different motivations for entering 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 in managing a range of 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 during difficult times. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective and satisfied in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes. 

 

What is the client’s experience of therapy?

 

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will have different outcomes for different people. In general, you can expect to talk about the current events in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue(s), and to report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session. These conversations will lead to deeper understanding and changes in your feelings.

 

Depending on your specific goals and needs, therapy may be short-term (to help you achieve a very specific goal) or longer-term (to deal with more difficult patterns, or your desire for more personal development). Either way, it is best 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 to address your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives, and are ready to assume responsibility for their lives.

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What about medication vs. psychotherapy?

 
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(s), the counseling process addresses the cause of your distress and the behavior patterns that inhibit your progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrated approach to wellness. This generally includes consultation between your physician(s) and your therapist, and sometimes includes both mediation and counseling. Our approach prioritizes the healthiest individualized treatment course possible. 

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Will insurance pay for therapy with you? 

I am not on any insurance provider lists, and your insurance is unlikely to cover any portion of your therapy with me.  To determine whether this will make much of a difference in the actual cost of therapy for you, you will want to get answers to the following questions:

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• Does my plan cover counseling for my particular problem? (For instance, will insurance cover sex therapy?)

• How much will insurance cover or reimburse me for any therapy session?

• How many sessions per year will my health insurance cover?

• How much is my deductible and have I met it yet?

• Is there a therapist on the "provider list" with the right expertise for my concerns?

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Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential? 

State law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain client confidentiality except under certain specific circumstances. Sometimes you may want your therapist to share information with someone on your healthcare team (your physician or psychiatrist, for example), your attorney, or family member. Your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission. There are some legal exceptions to client confidentiality. To see my confidentiality policy, click here.

 

Have more questions? 

Please contact me directly for further information.