Frequently Asked Question
WHAT IS YOUR INTAKE PROCESS LIKE?
Your initial appointment will be half to one hour for a medication management or therapy intake. We will ask you a number of questions to better understand your situation and tailor your therapy to your individual needs.
MEDICATION VS. PSYCHOTHERAPY
To best achieve a greater sense of well-being we use an integrative approach to wellness. Often the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems can be resolved using a combination of medication and therapy. Medication addresses the biological basis for distress. Therapy addresses the psychological causes of distress, and the emotional patterns that maintain it. Working with a WellnessRI provider you can determine what’s best for you.
HOW CAN THERAPY HELP ME?
A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communications and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
DOES WHAT WE TALK ABOUT IN THERAPY REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL?
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist’s office. You will be provided with a written copy of our confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team, but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
However, RI state law and professional ethics require therapists and doctors to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.