How can therapy help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. 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, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists 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
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 provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
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. 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 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 longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly).
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 happens at my first appointment?
- An initial assessment is conducted by a certified counselor.
- Once information is gathered, your counselor will determine the nature and extent of the presenting problem.
- A recommendation is made for the most appropriate level of drug and alcohol treatment when warranted, or a referral to other services may be made to best meet the needs of the individual.
Do you take insurance, and how does that work?
Fees for the appropriate treatment mode will be discussed in advance. Both the outpatient and partial hospitalization programs are included in most insurance plans. Insurance verification can be confirmed by the program prior to admission.
To determine if you have behavioral health coverage through your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is call them. Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers. Some helpful questions you can ask them:
- What are my behavioral health benefits?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
- How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
- How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
- Is approval required from my primary care physician?
What should I do if I know someone who may need treatment?
Encourage that person to arrange an appointment with a counselor at a licensed drug and alcohol facility. Encourage that person to have an open mind and to provide honest information about his/her drug (and/or) alcohol use during the assessment process. The facility should be able to provide an evaluation regarding the extent of any drug (and/or) alcohol problem and any recommended course of counseling or treatment.
If the person denies any problem with substances, and/or refuses to consider treatment, then the first step may be to set an appointment for yourself. At that time, you can be given support and direction on how to best intervene with that other person's problem.
How do I schedule an appointment at New Insights II?
Call either of our locations to arrange an appointment. Please feel free to ask any questions regarding our services, hours of operation, directions, and fees. We make every effort to accommodate personal schedules and special needs. Upon request, our business office staff will verify your coverage and explain your insurance benefits prior to your appointment date.
If drug (and/or) alcohol treatment is court ordered do you have services to address these types of situations?
New Insights II has an excellent track record and reputation with municipal and county criminal justice systems in central Pennsylvania. Due to this credibility with the court systems, successful enrollment and completion of our program has resulted in either a reduced jail term or served as an alternative to incarceration. We also have short-term programs that have more of an educational focus for those arrested for a DUI. Upon request, staff will provide the necessary documents. In some cases, clinicians will testify at a court appearance in order to support your legal situation.
The certified drug and alcohol counselors of New Insights II are here to provide you with caring and confidential information to answer your questions regarding addiction.
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. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
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.