Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I consider therapy?
There are many reasons therapy could be a good and important choice for you.
Consider where you are at this moment in your life. Presumably you're thinking about therapy because parts of your life are not as satisfying or as rewarding as you'd wish.
Two important things for you to recognize about yourself:
- That you have the courage to reflect on your life and seek change.
- You have the courage to reach out and seek guidance.
Because you've taken these steps to reflect on your life and seek help, you appear to be a very good candidate for therapy.
What will therapy do for me?
You'll work with your therapist to identify, understand and treat the areas that are creating the most distress in your life. All work is done in a collaborative and supportive environment.
Whether you're suffering from depression, anxiety, stress or relationship problems, your therapist will help you understand the counterproductivity of your current situation.
Often past unresolved anger, shame or pain can re-emerge in other relationships, making it seem you are forever trapped in a way of being that has no solution.
Whatever the issue, therapy ultimately will help you discover choices, feelings and thoughts you did not realize you had.
Therapy also helps you take actions to break you free from the past and help you master the direction of the life you want to live -- rather than remain in the trapped life you've been living.
How long will this take?
Therapy can be a short-term, solution-focused experience. Or, if there are more complex and deeper issues of trauma and pain, it may take longer. It all depends on you.
Sometimes people come into therapy with a specific problem they want to work through. Somewhere between 4-8 weeks once a week can help with situational problems.
However, if someone comes into therapy with deeper layers of depression or trauma stressors, therapy can take from one to three years. The duration depends on what issues surface in the process -- and on the client's level of commitment to work them through.
Will I need medication?
Your therapist will help determine if you can benefit from medication management. Drugs can be helpful in transitioning through difficult periods. Some people need to take medication for longer periods.
We do not believe in medication for medication's sake, but are aware of its importance in certain circumstances.
Therapists do not prescribe medication; we do work with psychiatrists in the community who are licensed to prescribe medication. Your therapist can make the appropriate referrals.
What if I don't like the therapist?
If you're not comfortable with your therapist or what he says to you, speak with him and/or write down your concerns. Be specific and cite some examples of what's making you uneasy.
Your therapist has your best interests at the center of treatment. You can expect a supportive and reflective response.
If this does not resolve the issues, terminate therapy and/or request a referral to another therapist. If you want a referral, your therapist has an ethical duty to provide three names of therapists in your area.
There are many wonderful and
highly trained therapists on our staff and in the community. It is well worth the time to go on a search for the right ones. They are out there.
When will I feel better?
As the old expression says, It's darkest before the dawn. Or, as
Carl Jung once said, there is no consciousness without pain. There is certainly some truth to this.
Feelings of sadness, loneliness and anger are important and necessary emotions that --- once reclaimed and expressed -- have a profound effect on helping clients break through walls of silence that have served to keep themselves distanced and apart for perhaps years.
Therapy provides a venue for profound changes for the better. It just takes some time, commitment, and the desire and willingness to change.
Nothing good happens overnight. Be patient and trusting of the process. Wonderful results can occur.
What kinds of people can you help?
The Wilshire/Valley Therapy Centers treats all types of people including individuals, couples, children teens, seniors, and the gay and lesbian community.
Many of our therapists are highly specialized. If you are seeking a specific treatment, be sure to make that request.
What about insurance payments?
We accept many insurances, including Blue Cross, Blue Shield, PacifiCare, United Behavioral Health, Cigna and Medicare.
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, checks or cash may be used for co-payments and other fees.
