What is psychotherapy?

"Therapy for the mind"... Psychotherapy, also referred to as "counseling" or "therapy", is described as: a process that helps people learn about themselves, their environment and ways to handle their roles and relationships. Counseling is a process designed to bring about changes in both attitudes and behaviors. Counseling is chiefly concerned with the client's adjustment to him or herself and those with whom he or she interacts.

Included in the above are friends, family, significant others and the cultural environment (society). Typically, psychotherapy is sought for crisis situations, depression, addictions, relationship problems and personal growth exploration.

In a general sense, how can therapy help me?

Individual psychotherapy can help you to gain a clearer understanding of:

·         Who you are

·         Where you came from and how you evolved to where you are today

·         Where you are going from here; what your goals are

·         How you interact with others

As every person is different, your individual therapeutic needs will be given unique consideration.

Who needs therapy?

I believe that therapy is appropriate for almost anyone, without regard to the severity of the problems at hand. Treatment is available to individuals, couples and families. In addition, specialized therapy groups, some of which are ongoing, are offered periodically.

Often times, people seek treatment to address unpleasant feelings and situations in their lives. Frequently, clients want to have a better understanding of their individual identity, which may include personal growth and exploration. Relationship difficulties, depression and anxiety are common reasons to seek treatment. Addiction to drugs and alcohol, eating disorders, feeling out of control, hopeless, confused or insecure are some other conditions that can be helped through counseling. Therapy addresses the underlying origins of a wide array of problems.

Q: Isn't talking to a friend or trusted family member just as helpful as therapy?

A: Probably Not. While a friend or family member can be supportive, a therapist is specifically trained in identifying family, personal and relational dynamics and will treat the underlying issues. Further, a therapist is a neutral party, while a friend is already someone you know, who may be biased and therefore less able to be diplomatic. Personal growth and insight can be greatly accelerated with professional treatment.

Therapy explores repressed feelings.

Sigmund Freud MD suggested that depression was really "anger turned inward'." What Dr. Freud meant was that when strong feelings, such as anger, love, hate, or jealousy, are not properly channeled or expressed, they are repressed. The psyche then reverts to a sort of emotional shutdown. The combination of emotional blockage, difficulty and frustration in identifying and expressing feelings can lead to more severe feelings of inadequacy and depression.

Many people have become experts at stuffing their feelings. Therapy is useful to explore feelings of depression and anxiety that underlie repression. Anger, rage, resentment, jealousy, fear and self-contempt may also be related to repression.

Typically, compulsive behaviors such as substance abuse, over-eating, co-dependency, and "acting-out" are dysfunctional methods used to manage anxiety and emotional disturbances. Negative self-dialogue and self-destructive actions/choices are other ways some people may manage these types of unpleasant feelings.

Psychotherapy will openly explore the meaning and origins of your discomfort. This can be done through identifying, considering, discussing and journalizing your feelings and emotions. Psychotherapy has been well documented to provide a safe haven for people with emotional problems to recognize, manage, minimize, and even eradicate them altogether.

How long will my therapy take?

There is no set time frame for individual therapy. Generally, therapy is most effective if it is consistent and continuous. Ideally, this means meeting at least 1 time per week and more if necessary. Many clients see their therapist on a regular, on-going basis. The period of time you decide to remain in therapy depends on your individual needs because progress and relief might not be immediately evident. There may be times when you feel hopeless or stagnated before you realize the scope and importance of your improvements.

Confidentiality

Your therapy, including the fact that you are even seeing me for treatment is confidential. You must authorize any release of information. The only exceptions to this would be the legal mandate for therapists to report immediate danger or abuse to yourself, other adults, or children.

Fees / Insurance

Please contact me at:  323-656-9355 for specific fee information.  You may pay for therapy yourself (out of pocket), or you may choose to use your health insurance. There are a variety of different insurance plans with a diverse range of mental health coverage programs and co-payments. I am a provider for a large number of these behavioral health plans. Therefore, the fees or co-pays for individual therapy will be discussed at your initial session. Please bring your insurance card with you,

*Some of the accepted insurance plans are:

• Aetna PPO/POS
• Blue Cross HMO/PPO/POS
• Blue Shield
• CNN/First Health
• Healthnet PPO/POS
• Magellan Behavioral Health PPO 
• Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
• United Behavioral Health
• US Healthcare

*There are many additional insurance plans than these listed that will likely cover your psychotherapy as well.

Booking An Appointment

Daytime and evening appointment times are available. Please call 323-656-WELL (9355). You may also contact me at JOECONTORERMFT@aol.com