Is therapy usually only for people who are crazy and weak?

Seeking therapy to resolve problems is wise, not crazy. It allows you to get the support and help with personal issues that are common for many people. It is not a sign of weakness to ask for help. It takes strength and courage to reach out and ask for additional help and resources when they are needed.

Is therapy right for me?

Seeking therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people want to get into therapy. It can be for long standing psychological issues or dealing with problems of depression and anxiety. Sometimes it is to deal with unexpected changes such as a divorce or death in the family. Other times, people seek the help of a psychologist as they want to grow and have in-depth personal exploration.  Working with a therapist can help bring forth insight, understanding, support, new perspectives and strategies to handle life's challenges. Therapy is right for anyone who has interest in gaining greater self awareness and taking charge of their lives.

Do I really need therapy?  I can usually handle my problems.
We all have challenges in our lives. Some are easier to deal with than others. You may have successfully navigated through some of the difficulties you have faced, but there is nothing wrong with seeking out extra support and guidance from someone who can be objective with the skills and training to handle particular concerns, when needed. Therapy provides you with the direction and tools you need to deal with your issues, breaking unhealthy patterns of behavior, overcoming whatever challenges you face and providing long lasting benefits.

How can I be benefit from therapy?
There are a number of benefits from therapy such as gaining support, problem solving skills, and coping strategies to deal with difficult issues. Therapists can provide new perspectives to your issues and guide you in the right direction to positive solutions. Some of the benefits from therapy may include:

• Attaining a better understanding of self, goals and values
• Improving listening and communication skills
• Developing skills to improve your relationships
• Changing unhealthy behaviors and habits
• Developing better decision making skills
• Finding resolution to the issues that led you to seek therapy
• Improving ways to handle stress and anxiety
• Developing effective ways to manage anger, depression, and other emotional pressures
• Discovering new ways to solve your problems
• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
• Enhancing the overall quality of life

What is therapy like? 

Therapy is an intimate professional relationship between a patient and their therapist. Each therapy session is unique and changes as it caters to the needs and specific goals of the patients. It is common to have weekly sessions in which the sessions last approximately fifty minutes. There may be times when patients are asked to do "homework" outside of the session such as keeping records of certain behavior. Therapy can be short or long term. Short term therapy typically focuses on a specific issue and restoring the patient's functioning ability, whereas long term therapy addresses more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. Some of the things you can expect from therapy are:

• Compassion, understanding, and respect
• New perspectives to illuminate persistent negative patterns
• Effective guidance toward positive change

Why therapy and not medication?

The idea of taking a pill a day to solve all your problems may sound appealing. If only it were that easy! Medication may help alleviate some of the symptoms but can also have adverse side effects. In some cases, a combination of medication and therapy may be the appropriate treatment approach. However, medication alone is not a long term solution to mental and emotional issues. They cannot be solved solely by medication. Psychological and emotional issues are complex, having multiple causes. Therapy can be at times consuming and challenging. You may experience uncomfortable thoughts and feelings which arise as part of the treatment process. However, it is through the process of learning and addressing the underlying causes of your issues that provides lasting benefit with complete relief and a greater sense of well-being. 

I would like to discuss my needs further, what is the next step?

You can either call Dr. Pham at (949) 331-4559 or click here to schedule your first appointment online.