Question 1

How often do we meet?

Accepted Answer

Usually sessions are weekly and become less frequent as things are improving.

Question 2

How long does therapy last?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are about 50 minutes. The length of the treatment as a whole depends on what challenges someone is presenting with, their therapy goals, any obstacles coming up, and how well the approach used is working. I like to check in on the progress towards goals about every 3 months. It is important to know that therapy is a process that takes time and sometimes improvement does not happen immediately. Sometimes things can even get a bit harder at different points, as you confront the things that are coming up, or adjust to the changes you may make in your life.

Question 3

What to do if your therapist is not the right fit?

Accepted Answer

The most important thing is that you feel safe and respected. It can be helpful to let a therapist know if you need more or less of something in your sessions, and hopefully they can accommodate that. But sometimes it just is not the right fit, and that is okay- you can simply state that.

Question 4

How do you decide what approach to use and with whom?

Accepted Answer

Some people have preferences on types of therapy they seek at the outset, which guides my approach. I give information about the possible ways that a client's challenges could be approached, and we decide collaboratively what seems best to focus on. I have an eclectic style, so there is often a mix of different types of therapy woven together.

Question 5

How do you know when it is time to end therapy?

Accepted Answer

A good indication is if you are no longer in distress and your goals have been met, or if it feels like you are no longer growing/benefiting in sessions.

Question 6

What to expect from the first therapy session?

Accepted Answer

No matter which approach or goals, I focus the first few sessions on getting to know you and what brings you to therapy, goal-setting, and building up/teaching coping tools.

Question 7

Do you see clients online or in-person?

Accepted Answer

I meet with clients both in-person and online.

Question 8

Can EMDR and EFT be done via telehealth?

Accepted Answer

Yes! EMDR works well via telehealth. I can apply bilateral stimulation for clients remotely, either visually or auditorily, and tactile methods can also be used. With EFT, I ask clients to set up several of their own chairs in front of their camera, and I facilitate the client's movement between the chairs just as I would do in-person.

Question 9

What are the risks and benefits of therapy?

Accepted Answer

Going over these is an ongoing part of therapy. Some possible risks are discomfort confronting emotions, increased distress temporarily, changed relationships, and social stigma about attending therapy. Some possible benefits are improved self-awareness, increased confidence, improved self-care, enhanced social and emotional skills and coping tools, better relationships, and a sense of healing from past traumas and losses.

Question 10

How can I get the most out of therapy?

Accepted Answer

1)  Start slow: It may be easier to start out discussing less sensitive information, until rapport is developed. I will respect your boundaries, while guiding the conversation, as needed. Feel free to ask about my confidentiality policy if you feel concerned about sharing.

2)  Write things down: Writing down the issues you want to discuss and questions you have is helpful before sessions, and some clients find it useful to do a "brain dump" quick journal about everything on their mind in order to organize and prioritize what to focus on. During sessions, taking notes on key insights, tools, and any homework assigned is helpful. Between sessions, many clients find journaling helpful for integrating new material and reflections.

3)  Create the space: Find a private setting so you can be transparent, and give yourself a little time to take a few breaths, collect your thoughts, and review your therapeutic aim before sessions. We can also spend some time doing this at the beginning of sessions, as needed.

4)  Practice self-care: Exercise, meditation, journaling, and spending time in nature are all great ways to process material that comes up, and reinforce growth.

Mary Clark, LMFT Psychotherapy

Questions About Therapy