Trauma therapy is by nature typically longer term therapy due to the seriousness of trauma and complex lasting symptoms. Clients undertaking trauma work can usually expect therapy to be extensive over a period of months or longer.
It is beneficial to have regular bi-weekly sessions for the first 4 sessions whenever possible. Having regular counselling sessions at this stage helps you stay focused and creates momentum more quickly. After 4-6 sessions, further sessions can be spaced to every three weeks or monthly until you feel confident in maintaining gains made in counselling on your own.
Depending on your goal, counselling can take from a few sessions to over a dozen sessions or even longer. Consider a client who is dealing with a high level of anxiety. If, for example, his or her goal is to learn some skills to cope with feelings of anxiety, he or she may only need 4-6 sessions. If, however, he or she wants to go deeper to work through underlying factors that cause and maintain his or her anxiety, more sessions will be required. Ultimately, you as the client decide how long you want the counselling to be. During the first session, I will help you identify your goal for counselling and give you a realistic estimate of the number of sessions needed to reach your goal, if that is concerning.
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there are some of exceptions to this rule. Exceptions include: Suspected child abuse or neglect. Should there be a concern about apparent, suspected or potential child abuse or neglect, the therapist is required by law to report to the appropriate authorities immediately If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s. The therapist must inform the R.C.M.P. or Police. If a client intends to seriously harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in insuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, further measures may be taken without their permission in order to ensure their safety. Abuse by a Health Care Professional. If a client reports sexual abuse by a Regulated Health Care Professional, the therapist is required to report this to the Professional’s regulartory body for investigation (i.e.College of Physicians and Surgeons, College of Nurses etc). A Court Order. When the court issues a summons for records or testimony.
If you aren’t sure what your goals are for therapy, your first task is to figure that out. It may take several sessions before a direction is clarified. During the course of therapy your goals may change. However, establishing a direction for therapy will greatly help you get the most out of the experience.
A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Often it is helpful just to know that someone understands. Therapy can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. Many people find therapy to be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, and the hassles of daily life. 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 and your personal goals and values Developing skills for improving your relationships Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy Find new ways to cope with stress and anxiety Managing anger, depression, and other emotional pressures Improving communications skills – learn how to listen to others, and have others listen to you Getting “unstuck” from unhealthy patterns – breaking old behaviors and develop new ones Discovering new ways to solve problems Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence Discovering unconscious forces Contacting the Wisdom within Increased openness Increased intimacy with self and others Increased equanimity Learn about psychological defences Transformative or transcendent experiences Spiritual awareness Self Compassion
It is my belief that a team approach is sometimes most beneficial for client well being including your therapist being able to provide you best care practice. Anything beyond my personal qualifications and skills will be referred via your medical doctor with his or her agreement to a psychiatrist for evaluation and treatment. Psychiatric consultation and collaboration is very important for good therapy when a client has a diagnosed condition. Sometimes a client will arrive for therapy when psychiatric assessment needs to precede counselling and especially before any depth therapy. If your psychiatrist recommends stabilization before your doing therapy this is all important for your well being. It is very important in your therapy for you to disclose if you are currently under the care of a psychiatrist. Very occasionally a client arrives for therapy and there are obvious thought disorders, psychotic features, imminent suicidal risk, extreme untreated depression, or other clear evidence of very serious problems for a client who has discontinued medications or are experiencing a very serious mental health concern. Therapy obviously is not helpful at the time and psychiatric assessment and care at the Emergency Centre of the hospitable is imperative. In this case the client will be assisted and directed to Emergency Services.
Often clients arrive in counselling unsure if they should contact their medical doctor in regards to feeling depressed or anxious and depressed. They are questioning the benefits of medication. We will explore this together including my assessment of your depression and anxiety symptoms. This is done with your self reporting and sometimes with depression and anxiety scale inventories. Psycho education is also provided with regards to neurology and the possible important benefits of medication depending on the severity and/or long standing nature of your symptoms. It is often very important to see your physician to ensure at the outset there are not physical situations contributing to or causing your symptoms. Your doctor will provide a more complete understanding of the benefits of specific medications. Often your medical doctor will prescribe medications and treat both depression and anxiety. Together with your doctor you will discuss the benefits or need of specialized psychiatric diagnosis and treatment .
During sessions you are expected to talk about the primary concerns and issues in your life. A session lasts for one hour, but some people request longer sessions. Some people who are in crisis or extreme distress need more than one session per week, at least until the crisis passes. During the time between sessions it is beneficial to think about and process what was discussed. At times, you may be asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records. For therapy to “work,” you must be an active participant, both in and outside of the therapy sessions.
You can expect to be treated with respect, sincerity, and unconditional positive regard. You can share your feelings and thoughts in a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental environment. You can expect to gain insights into the difficulties you experience and acquire new skills, tools, and strategies to tackle the problem you are facing. You will receive feedback and emotional support as you make changes in your desired direction. Usually, change is a gradual process and does not happen overnight. Most issues have built up over a period of time and will take time to resolve. Clients who take responsibility for their difficulties and are prepared to work hard both within and outside of counselling sessions will get the most out of their investment in counselling.