Question 1

What is psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Psychotherapy is therapy for your mind and emotional well-being, like physical therapy is therapy for your body.  The prefix “psycho” (from the Greek “psyche,” meaning mind or soul) differentiates it from other kinds of therapy (occupational, speech, massage, etc.).  A provider of psychotherapy is called a psychotherapist.  I use the terms therapy and therapist interchangeably with psychotherapy and psychotherapist.

Question 2

What is the difference between a psychotherapist, a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

Accepted Answer

A psychotherapist provides psychotherapy.  There are many types of psychotherapists, with different educational backgrounds and training.  Clinical social workers, professional counselors and marriage and family therapists are some types of psychotherapists.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor and can prescribe medication.  Other doctors and advance practice nurses can prescribe medication, too.  Psychiatrists and advance practice nurses are sometimes also psychotherapists.

A psychologist has a doctorate in psychology.  Psychologists can provide certain types of testing and are often researchers.  Many psychologists are also psychotherapists.

Question 3

Do you prescribe medication?

Accepted Answer

I do not prescribe medication.  If appropriate, I may suggest you see a psychiatrist or other prescriber.  If you do not have a provider, I can try to help you find one, or you may find one on your own.

Question 4

How long will I be in therapy?

Accepted Answer

Therapy is different for each person.  Some clients may be in therapy for a few months, and others may be in therapy longer, even for years.  Some people start and stop therapy many times over their lifetime.  It depends on your individual situation.

Question 5

What will my initial therapy sessions be like?

Accepted Answer

In our initial therapy sessions, I hope we can work together to accomplish four goals:Getting to know you - I want to learn about you, your history, your current situation and your goals.  You are always in control of how much you share and when.Building the therapeutic relationship - I strive to create a space where you can feel secure.  I hope that as we work together you will start to feel comfortable with me, and we will establish trust.Educating - I will teach you about your brain and nervous system.  Having more information about what you are experiencing, why and what to do about it can help you feel more empowered.Skill building - I will help you develop skills to feel better and more in control.  I believe the purpose of therapy is to change things that are not working well in your life, and I want those changes to start as soon as possible.

Question 6

What I talk about in therapy is confidential and kept private, right?

Accepted Answer

For the most part, what you talk about in therapy is confidential and kept private.  However, in certain situations I am allowed or even legally required to break this confidentiality.  For example, I am required to report to the authorities if I have reason to believe that you or someone else is abusing or neglecting a child or if I have reason to believe that you may harm yourself or someone else, and I am also allowed to report suspected abuse or neglect of older or dependent adults.  I may also receive a court order to release your records, in which case I would have to comply.  Please review my Notice of Privacy Practices for a full explanation of the ways your private information may be used or disclosed.

Question 7

What if we’re not a good fit or I don’t think therapy is working?

Accepted Answer

If you feel like I am not a good fit for you or you’re not happy with how therapy is going, please talk with me about it.  I will accept this feedback in an open, curious and nonjudgmental way.  There may be things we can do to help you feel more comfortable or get more out of the experience.  There may also be some things that I will not be able to change.  If you ultimately decide to end therapy with me, I would be happy to try to help you find someone else to work with if I can.

In a mental health crisis, call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room. For other emergencies, call 911.

Heather Baron, MEd, MSS, LCSW

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