Questions About Therapy
Questions About Our Office
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How do I know it’s time to get help?
People often consider therapy under the following circumstances:
- When the way they feel is affecting their sleep, appetite, job, or relationships.
- When things are not getting better.
- When they can’t find the answers to their problems.
- They feel an overwhelming and prolonged sense of sadness and helplessness, and they lack hope in their lives.
- Their emotional difficulties make it hard for them to function fully from day to day.
- Their actions are harmful to themselves or others.
- They are troubled by problems facing family members or close friends.
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What is a Clinical Psychologist?
Clinical psychologists are professional health care providers with training and expertise in the areas of human behavior and psychological health. Clinical psychologists aim to reduce psychological distress and enhance and promote psychological well being. Clinical psychologists learn about the human mind, human development, psychological problems, the measurement and understanding of personality characteristics, and other important areas of knowledge about how people think, feel and behave. Often, clinical psychologists will consult with other medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients, especially treatment that includes medication. Clinical psychologists generally are not permitted to prescribe medication to treat patients; only psychiatrists and other medical doctors may prescribe certain medications. Clinical psychologists earn a doctoral degree in psychology which typically takes four to five years of full time graduate study beyond a college degree. The degree may be a Ph.D., a Psy.D. or an Ed.D., depending upon the graduate training program.
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How long does therapy last?
The length of treatment depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of the issues, the motivation of the individuals involved, and the goals. Brief therapy typically has a more specific goal or issue of focus, and can last from a few weeks to a few months. Longer term or open ended therapy may have more complex issues or concerns and can last up to a year or longer. Each weekly session lasts approximately 45 minutes.
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How does therapy work?
In this confidential and safe setting, Dr. Taylor helps you look objectively at your behaviors, feelings, and thoughts and educates you in ways to deal with different situations. You have the opportunity to explore personal issues with someone who has unique listening skills, and is more neutral than those who are more directly involved with the situation. This leads not only to a deeper understanding of the issues, but also promotes the conditions that make long lasting change possible.
Your relationship with your therapist plays an important and crucial role in benefiting from treatment. That’s why it’s important to find a person who you feel you have a good fit with. A good fit means that you feel heard, understood and accepted. As the trust deepens, this person would be someone you would feel comfortable exploring deeper sources of conflict or pain.
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What kind of therapy is offered?
Dr. Taylor conducts therapeutic services for individuals and couples in both brief and longer term settings. Her primary therapeutic orientations are psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.
- The goal of psychodynamic therapy is to bring about improved psychological health through better self-understanding. People often repeat painful, unsatisfying patterns in their lives. Psychodynamic therapy helps people to recognize and work through the painful feelings that often underlie these patterns of relating to the world so that they can make choices to do things differently. Dr. Taylor utilizes both brief and long term psychodynamic therapy.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) emphasizes the role of thinking in how we feel and what we do and stresses the fact that that irrational thinking or faulty perceptions cause our negative feelings. The goals are to restructure one's thoughts, perceptions, and beliefs. Such restructuring facilitates behavioral and emotional change. CBT is especially helpful in treating anxiety and depression.
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What is your fee?
Please contact me about my current fee. I do offer limited sliding scale appointments based on income and ability to pay. If you need a reduced fee, I encourage you to let me know. If I can not accommodate your financial situation, I will try my best to assist you in finding appropriate referrals.
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Is what we talk about confidential?
All personal information and issues discussed in therapy are completely confidential and cannot be released to a third party without your written permission, except where disclosure is required by law.
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Will my insurance cover psychological services?
All health insurance plans pay for a certain number of mental health visits but they may only pay for services provided by in-network providers. Please contact your insurance company. Dr. Taylor does not participate with insurance companies. However, you may be reimbursed by your carrier if you have out-of-network benefits.
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How do I get more information or make an appointment?
Contact our office by phone: (973) 540-1656 or contact us.
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Do you have evening appointments available?
Evening appointments are available Monday through Thursday evening.
Do you have late afternoon or early evening hours? I have to come in after work.
Appointments after work are usually available on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings.
Will my insurance cover any of your services?
Our staff will bill your PPO insurance for you. My services are covered by the mental health benefits provided by most PPO’s.
Are you convenient to major freeways?
Our office is centrally located in the city of Tustin, Orange County on Irvine Boulevard very close to the 5 and 55 freeways. Directions
Are you experienced? How long have you been doing this work?
I have practiced as a family therapist in the Tustin community for twenty years. I am highly experienced in helping both men and women, and see clients of all ages from children to seniors.
Questions About Therapy
In your experience, do you feel there is any difference in seeing a male or female therapist?
Some people prefer a man and some people prefer a woman when they are looking for a therapist. Most people find that having a compatible personality with their therapist is more important than gender.
I come from a disturbed family background. Sometimes I worry I am acting like them. Can I change?
You can expect that therapy can help you understand how your experiences in a trouble family continue to influence your behavior today. Therapy can teach you how to behave more appropriately. The first step is to help you understand which of your actions or behaviors are harmful to yourself or others. Then, you can learn new ways of behaving that are positive and helpful.
My spouse and I do not communicate. Is it possible for us to learn to talk to each other without fighting?
Therapy can help you learn how to listen and negotiate with your partner. You can learn how to listen to your partner in a calm way without defending yourself. You can also learn how to respond in an understanding manner, letting your partner know that you have some idea of what they are feeling, even though you might see the situation differently.
At times I feel stressed out about being a parent. Can I learn to be more patient with my kids?
You can learn how to be a better parent. For example, you can learn how to set and enforce rules without using guilt.
People have many other questions about living that can be helped through therapy, such as:
Considering a psychiatrist for you or a family member? Call Dr. Taylor's office for an evaluation. (973) 540-1656. |
