Common Questions

WE ARE OPEN AND CONDUCTING ALL SERVICES REMOTELY

How can therapy help me?

During this time of crisis, we literally are all dealing with this pandemic together. I understand that attending therapy remotely is rather unconventional or it was until now. To keep you, our therapists, and all our staff safe and still providing all services as we normally would, we are providing all services remotely via zoom for the time being that is undoubtedly HIPPA compliant. You will receive the same quality care as you would expect in person but now it will be live via zoom. Be safe and we are here if you need us. Thank you.

Mr. Jim Stevens, Executive Director

A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy at FBSWS.
Our 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, etc.
Many people also have found that our therapists have been and continue to be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and challenges experienced in their daily life.
Our therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem and empower you to create a solution for yourself.
The benefits you obtain from therapy at FBSWS depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn.

Some of the benefits available from therapy at FBSWS:

1) Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
2) Developing skills for improving your relationships
3) Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
4) Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
5) Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
6) Improving communications and listening skills
7) Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
8) Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
9) Improving your self-esteem, self awareness, and developing upon self-confidence

Do I really need therapy?

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out therapeutic support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is a strength. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you or your loved one is at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you are facing.

Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?

People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creative blocks, etc. and therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.

What is therapy like?

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. In general, you can expect to begin therapy here with a thorough intake assessment, discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or long-term, to deal with more difficult circumstances or your desire for personal development. Either way, your appointment sessions will be scheduled weekly here at FBSWS.

It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process - such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives and take responsibility for their lives.

What about medication vs. psychotherapy?

It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of your distress and the behavioral patterns that have inhibited your progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. Working with your therapist you can determine what's best for you, and in some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. If so, you will be referred to one of the psychiatrists we collaborate with outside of FBSWS for psychotropic medication management only.

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 can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Psychiatrist, Attorney, etc.), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.

***However, if you are attending treatment here for a substance abuse issue, your therapist will request your written permission to cross communicate with all of your medical and psychiatrist providers in order for you to continue treatment at FBSWS.

However, state law and professional ethics require therapists 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 threated to harm another person.

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