What is therapy?

Therapy is an opportunity to address issues that are important to you, while having a trained objective person (Therapist) help you to work through not only the current situation but in dealing with similar situations in the future. Therapy can be about one specific issue or it can be about multiple concerns. Therapy is a collaborative effort. It requires an active role from both you and the therapist for change to occur. There are many ways to engage in the therapeutic process including talk therapy, play therapy, writing for therapy, couples' therapy, and family therapy.

How can therapy help me?

With an outside perspective, therapists, being objective, can provide a different or a fresh perspective. Benefits of therapy depend on commitment and level of readiness. Some benefits can include support, boosting self confidence or improving self esteem, improving communication skills, learning/finding new coping skills, attaining a better understanding of yourself, changing old patterns and developing new ones, or managing your emotions. During this process, communication skills can be enhanced and it will become easier over time to express  your thoughts and feelings.

What is couple's therapy?

Couples therapy is a form of therapy that can help you and your partner improve your relationship. If you are having relationship difficulties, you can seek couples therapy to help rebuild your relationship. It can address a wide range of relationships issues including recurring conflicts, feelings of disconnect, affairs, intimacy related issues, external stressors, and assistance to build a stronger and healthier relationship.

What is children's and adolescents' therapy?

Therapy with children and adolescents can include talking, playing, and other activities to help children and adolescents learn to express and process thoughts and feelings. When children and adolescents are in therapy, it can be helpful to have caregivers regularly enter for the first few minutes of
session to complete a "check-in" with the therapist and/or spend time working with both the child and caregiver. For a child under the age of 12, consent from the child's legal guardian is required.

What is the first session like?

The first session will be an initial assessment to discuss your history and needs for treatment.  During this first session, you will have the opportunity to see how therapy will work, review office policies, privacy and confidentiality, as well as determine whether or not you are comfortable with the therapist and begin setting your goals.

What is the difference between a therapist, psychologist, and psychiatrist?

As a "therapist", the scope of treatment is through "therapy", a fancy term to describe communicating thoughts and feelings whether that be through art, writing, play, dance, and other forms of communication.  Typically therapists have their master's degree, ongoing education, and licensure.  While some "psychologists" also provide counseling services, they primarily limit their practice to psychological testing for schools, courts, and other entities.  After discussing together and a decision is made that medication may be of benefit, a referral to a "psychiatrist" may be recommended. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor that specializes in behavior and typically works in conjunction with your therapist. Medication therapy is not a replacement for therapy. Psychiatrists tend to limit their time with clients and are typically only available for medication management.  

What is a "Good Faith Estimate"?

Everyone has the right to receive a "Good Faith Estimate" which provides an estimate of how much medical/mental health care will cost. Under the law, providers need to give patients who don't have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill.

Have other questions?

Reach out and ask! The first major hurdle in therapy is reaching out. Contact us by phone/text or via e-mail.  

Peaceful Presence Therapy of San Diego

(858) 215-4996

info@peacefulpresencetherapy.com

11835 Carmel Mountain Road Suite 1304-266

San Diego, CA 92128