How do I know if I need therapy?
People often come into my office saying they feel:
- like a failure for seeking help
- confused
- overwhelmed
- stuck
- worthless
- tired of the same old patterns
Whether you want to work on feeling more connected to people, resolving pain from previous relationships, developing more trust and intimacy, or uncovering a sense of purpose, to gaining a sense of peace with your self, therapy gain be a powerful tool. I have so much respect for people who seek therapy, because it is often the first and most difficult step in changing how they experience their life. Sometimes the work is as simple as taking a small step to the right or left of a problem to see results. Other times, the work requires deeper exploration into how your beliefs, values, and experiences have shaped the choices you are making or what you are feeling.
What is Therapy?
Therapy is the process of uncovering the roadblocks to change that can get in the way of realizing your full potential. Whether its improved relationships, a greater feeling of connectedness, stopping unhealthy patterns, or improved well-being, therapy will increase your awareness of your personal process and help you cultivate coping skills so that your daily experience is more fulfilling.
How do I choose a therapist?
As you may be finding out right now, there are a lot of us out there. That is great news but also the process of finding a therapist can feel overwhelming. Ask yourself a few questions such as:
- Do I want someone who is the same gender or sexual orientation as me?
- What age range do I feel comfortable with?
- Is it important to me that the therapist I work with have life experience similar to my own such as also being a parent?
- Does this person, at a glance, seem like someone I could open up to?
You do not need to stick to your answers, but it is a start. Most of the time it is important to go with your gut response, at least to narrow your search. You will get a better sense of what a therapist is like during your phone consultation or initial contact. Choosing one is always a leap of faith, but generally your instincts will help you.
What should I expect if this is my first time in therapy?
It is okay to feel ambivalent about therapy. How can you be expected to know how much you will get out of it unless you have done it already? I think just the willingness to try is all that matters here.For many people, ideas about therapy come from the media. Movies and television have distorted what therapy is really like by making it seem dramatic and confrontational and full of big break throughs. Some sessions may be like that, but generally it is a process that builds on itself.
What is Your Approach to Therapy?
Though my theoretical orientation is grounded in the existential-humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, and post-modern traditions, I approach the needs of each client and each situation with flexibility. I will cull from the wisdom of western and eastern philosophies on mental health as it is deemed appropriate. For example, if you are dealing with symptoms of anxiety or depression, we will approach the work differently than if you are working on building self-esteem or spiritual growth. The purpose of this approach is to be able to meet each situation with openness, rather than preconceived notions of how people think, feel, and behave. My intention is to be attuned to your experience and collaborate with you on the best way you can reach your desired state of being. important to go with your gut response, at least to narrow your search. You will get a better sense of what a therapist is like during your phone consultation or initial contact. Choosing one is always a leap of faith, but generally your instincts will help you.
What should I expect to gain from therapy?
My hope is that you will experience growth in one or more areas of your life. Of course this all depends on the person. Typically our first session will be about exploring the concerns that have brought you to therapy. We want to start to understand what is working in your life and what areas you are struggling with. We will also talk briefly about your history. In subsequent sessions, we will continue to explore these areas but will go into more depth, assess your strengths, develop awareness of your unique process, and discuss coping strategies that will work for you.
Do I have to make a commitment upfront?
You don’t have to make a commitment at all. If you agree to come for an initial session, I will check in with you at the end to see if you want to come in again. No one should pressure you into being in therapy if it is not working for you. I believe strongly in the power of the therapeutic relationship, but so much of that relies on you feeling safe and comfortable. I simply ask that people try to be open to the process and follow my office policies regarding cancellations.
HomeCounseling for individuals, couples, families and adolescents
Therapist in Los Angeles, therapist in Los Feliz, los feliz therapist, therapist near 90027, therapist in Silver Lake, therapist in Hollywood, therapist in Echo Park, couples therapist, couples counseling, marriage counseling, marriage help, help for anxiety, help for depression, self-esteem, anger management
Kim Carlson, MA, LMFT MFC#48293
Psychotherapy in Los Angeles ~ Los Feliz 323.350.8849
Contact Kim to arrange a free phone consultation. Flexible appointment times including evenings and weekends.
4448 Ambrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA. 90027
My office is in Los Feliz convenient to Hollywood, downtown, Glendale, Atwater Village, Echo Park, and Silver Lake.
