Counseling FAQ | Psychotherapist & Counselor in San Jose & Milpitas

It really depends. Like most forms of therapy, the length of treatment depends on the severity of the issue, how hard the client is able/willing to work, and of course, the skill of the practitioner, among other things. If you are using insurance, this may also be a factor. At least six sessions is usually recommended for very brief therapy, but some people choose to (or need to ) stay in therapy for years. The majority will probably fall somewhere in the middle.

If you have tried reaching out to others (e.g. a pastor, good friends, etc.), or gone to a group (e.g. Alcoholics Anonymous) and still feel like it is not working, then working with a trained professional may be for you.

Therapy is a safe, non-judgmental place where you can talk about what is working and not working in your life. For the first few sessions, I will get to know you, your background, your goals, what you want changed in your life. This will take a few sessions, around 2-3. At that point, we will start working towards your goals.

You don’t need to be crazy to go to therapy. You only need to be insightful and courageous enough to admit that you are human and have issues like everyone else, that you want to deal with your issues instead of living in denial, and that you want to feel happier. That’s not crazy – that’s smart.

Talking about your problems can help you feel better. Talk therapy can help get to the root of your problems so dysfunctional patterns are stopped. It can also help you overcome roadblocks to emotional healing

That’s just the point. Sometimes it helps to have a outsider take a look at your situation from an objective point of view. And as a professional, I can help in ways that friends and family members aren’t able to.

This makes sense — we aren’t used to telling our deepest secrets to someone we just met. And while trust is key to therapy, in most cases this trust develops naturally as therapy progresses. This will happen in your own time. You can share as much or as little as you are comfortable with, and we will work together at a pace that you feel is workable. I am trained to “get to know you” by asking the right questions in a way that is safe and comfortable to you.

It sometimes is hard to spend money on yourself, especially if you are used to putting your own needs last. But like buying a gym membership, investing in therapy is an investment in your health and happiness.

There’s nothing unnecessary about living a healthier, happier life! Better mental health can improve your physical health, your relationships, and your performance at work. And if you are a parent, the single greatest gift you can give your children is a calm, happy parent with high self-esteem. Therapy can be the single most practical thing you do for your life.

It is. And choosing a therapist – especially off the internet – isn’t easy. You need to feel confident that you are making a good choice. Here are some easy ways to get to know a little bit about me first: