Psychotherapy, also known as therapy or counseling, occurs when you visit a mental health professional in order to assist you with problems. The goal of the therapist is to be an objective participant during the therapy process. Unlike other relationships in your life, the therapist provides a professional relationship within a safe, neutral environment. What is said in session between a client and therapist is confidential, meaning the therapist cannot inform others of the content of the session. There are exceptions to this, which can be found at my Privacy page, however they do not occur often. During therapy, the therapist and client work together to find solutions that best benefit the client.

A therapy session is often 50 minutes in length. The session often begins with a recap of what occurred during the previous session. The therapist and client then discuss what has occurred since the previous session. Often problems are discussed, where the client learns different ways to view problems. Towards the end of the session the therapist often recommends a task for the client to do prior to the next session to further the therapy process. Therapy sessions often follow this model, however most therapists are flexible and will adjust this to match the need of their clients. In my practice, I follow this model, but will change things up to better suit the needs of my client at the present time.

This entirely depends on you and the problems you are experiencing. Each person and situation is different, making it difficult to predict the length of the therapy process. I have seen clients come in for one session, decide to change something within their life, and not find a need to come back. I have also seen others who spend months or even years in therapy. In short, it all depends on what you wish to gain while in therapy. The average time people are in therapy is between 8 and 10 sessions, with one session per week.

A therapist works with you to provide a different perspective on the events in your life. By being on the outside, a therapist can see solutions to problems you may not. The therapist presents these solutions to you, allowing you to choose the best solution to your problems. While there are many different therapy styles, most therapists believe in letting the client choose their own path. A therapist may also help teach skills to better deal with problems.

The short answer is NO! A therapist does not tell you what to do, or what decisions to make. You, as a client, have the right to make your own decisions in your life. No therapist can make decisions for their clients, as they do not have to live with the consequences of the decisions. A therapist’s job is to help the client see multiple solutions to their problems, and to show the client different viewpoints. A therapist may help teach the client new skills, however the therapist will not make decisions for the client.

As a client, you have the right to seek the therapist of your choice. This means you do not have to continue seeing a therapist. If you wish to change therapists, the best idea is to talk with the therapist and have the therapist refer you to another therapist. You may also find another therapist of your own choosing.

Yes, your therapist can choose not to continue having you as a client. However, the therapist cannot stop seeing you without offering to help you find another therapist. Often the therapist will refer you to another therapist. A therapist cannot abandon you without trying to find you a therapist.