Is therapy right for me? Is a licensed Psychologist different from other
types of persons who are therapists, social workers, counselors?
NJ Division of Consumer Affairs has strict rules for the granting of a
license to practice Psychology. Only persons who have passed all of the
guidelines put forward by the State of New Jersey may call themselves
NJ Practicing Psychologists. Millburn Short Hills Psychological
Services employs only NJ Licensed Practicing Psychologists.
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Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why
people come to a licensed Psychologist. Sometimes it is to deal with
long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression.
Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a
divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of a
Psychologist as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth.
Working with a Psychologist may help provide insight, support, and new
strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy often addresses
many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress
management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Therapy is
right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by
taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards
change in their lives.
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
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 extra 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 something to be admired. You are taking
responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment
to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy may provide long-lasting
benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers,
re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
How can therapy help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy.
Psychologists 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 Psychologists
can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal
relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily
life. Psychologists 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
What is therapy like?
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their
specific goals. During the first session,a consultation is done to assess
the need of the client for a single session or a series of sessions, all
based on the individual situation. All fees and office policies are
discussed. Any releases, forms, etc are discussed and a copy is given to
each client. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and
concerns in your life during therapy sessions. If indicated, it is common to
schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty
minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or
longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth.
There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the
therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to
track certain behaviors. It is important process what has been discussed and
integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most
effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the
sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility
for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in
their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:
- Compassion, respect and understanding
- Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
- Real strategies for enacting positive change
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Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance
Is medication a substitute for therapy?
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of
action. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for
you. 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 our
distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best
achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an
integrative approach to wellness.
Do you accept insurance?
Questions answered by your own health care provider may include:
Does that office participate in-------?
Does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
Is approval required from my primary care physician?
Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications
between a client and psychologist. No information is disclosed without prior
written permission from the client.
However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule.The following exceptions and others are discussed in detail during the first session with the Psychologist and client:
- Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist has a "duty to warn" and is required to take steps in this regard.
- If a client is a danger to themselves. Additional measures may need to be taken.
Does Millburn Short Hills Psychological Services provide therapy for children?
Yes. we provide play therapy, individual and group therapy for children from pre-school age through college years. We also provide family therapy. We are withing walking distance of several schools and our entrance is discreet.