FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect at our first session?
Our first few sessions will be spent talking about what led you to seek therapy services, what you are looking to get out of therapy, and how we can best help you to achieve your therapeutic goals. This is also the time when we can decide if I will be the best fit for you as a therapist. You should be careful to choose a therapist that you feel comfortable working with and who has the expertise needed to meet your specific needs.
How often would we meet?
Typically, we would meet one to two times a week for a 50-minute session. This would be based on your needs and taking into consideration the severity of your symptoms. As your symptoms start to improve, you may not need to come in as frequently.
How long can I expect to come to therapy?
The length of therapy depends on what you are seeking help for as well as other factors. While one or two sessions is likely not going to be enough, you may find that you only need a short period of time—perhaps a few months—to reach your goals, or you may decide to continue long-term (over 20 sessions). I am happy to collaborate with you to help you make the ultimate choice for yourself.
How is coming to therapy different from talking to a friend?
Therapists can provide a confidential and caring, but unbiased viewpoint on what you are struggling with. Often family and friends are “too close” to the situation to give you helpful feedback. Therapists are also trained to help you access your strengths, learn new skills, and work through your mental health concerns in ways that most individuals are not. For example, your friend might be able to identify that the transmission in your car needs to be replaced, but you would probably want to hire a professional to replace it for you.
What happens in a typical therapy session?
Each session will be a little different, depending on where you are in your treatment and your individual needs. Our first few sessions together would mostly consist of us getting to know each other, assessing what your anxiety looks like and how it is affecting you, as well as your goals for treatment. A typical therapy session will often include checking in regarding how your last week went (including therapy homework), acknowledging progress that has been made (yay!), problem-solving any new or ongoing concerns, discussion around helpful ideas or tools, practicing exposures in-session, and reviewing homework to be worked on until the next session.
Can you “cure” anxiety without medication?
While there is no “cure” for anxiety, if you want to address your anxiety without medication, therapy can provide you with valuable tools to help you better manage anxiety. If your anxiety is too overwhelming, medication may make treatment possible. In addition, it’s possible that a combination of therapy and medication would be the most effective treatment for your anxiety. If you’re wondering if medication could be helpful for you, I encourage you to reach out to a psychiatrist for more information.
Are there mental health problems that you do not treat?
Dauntless Counseling provides specialized therapy for anxiety, OCD, and related disorders; however, it is not a good fit for everyone. If you are looking for help with other concerns, including any of the following, it is recommended that you look for specialized support in these areas:
– Eating disorders
– Severe depression
– Substance use or addiction
– Active self-harm or suicidal thoughts
Check out this page on SacWellness for a comprehensive list of mental health resources in the Sacramento area. If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself, please call 911 or the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988 – available 24 hours).
How do I make sure I get the most out of therapy?
Therapy involves a large commitment of your time and energy, so it makes sense that you would want to get the most out of it! Your active participation and commitment to doing the therapy work both in and outside of our sessions will make a huge difference in helping you to be successful. It will be important to apply the tools that you learn in therapy outside of our time together in order for you to reach your goals.
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If your question was not answered in this list of FAQ, please feel free to reach out!