I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. When working with one of our skilled therapists at Emerge, we can help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.

What’s the difference between talking to a therapist compared to my best friend or family?

We agree healing can often happen within the context of safe and secure personal relationships like those you have with trusted friends and family. In fact, you need those significant relationships in your lives TO HEAL. The difference is a therapist has the training, expertise, and needed objectivity to ensure the focus of counseling extends beyond just offering moral support. A mental health professional can guide you through your situation in a new way– teach you adaptive skills, help you gain different perspectives and insight, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and increase your self-awareness and ability to listen to yourself.

Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business” or fear how they view you as you engage in the brave process of growth and healing. Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that relationship, so you aren’t reminded of that difficult time in your life.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Show up to sessions consistently, engage, and trust the process to the best of your ability. Each person comes to counseling with different issues and goals for counseling, so the approach will vary depending on the individual. We tailor our therapeutic approach to your specific needs. The duration and efficacy of counseling depends on, to an extent, your willing collaboration with your counselor in the therapeutic process

How long will it take?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

We are so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Counseling is an ongoing, dynamic, and interactive professional relationship that involves commitment and intentionality on your part. Clients are encouraged to patiently and consistently engage in a process that requires honesty, openness, self-reflection, and a desire to change, grow, and heal.