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 about medication vs. psychotherapy?
It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you, and in some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action.
Do you take insurance, and how does that work?
To determine if you have mental 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 mental 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?
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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING ASSESSMENTS
How many sessions will you need to complete an assessment?
The evaluation is usually one to two visits, depending on individual circumstances. The client will be tested during the first 1-2 appointments. No results will be available after the first appointments. The last appointment is when the parents (and sometimes, students) will meet to discuss the results and share recommendations.
How long are the appointments?
Texting Appointment: Depending on the client's needs, these appointments can take up to three hours. (Some Saturday appointments are available on first come first serve basis.
Last Appointment:/Clinical Review: Discussion of the test results and recommendations usually last from 45 to 90 minutes. We recommend that you schedule at least two hours for this appointment in case of delays.
How should I prepare for the visit?
If the client is a minor, tell your child that there are no objects that will hurt them at the office where they will be tested. Your child should know that the purpose of the testing is to find out what some things (such as school or speaking) hard. He/she will do work in a room with a nice speech/learning specialist. Encourage your child to do their very best work.
Be sure the client being assessed has eaten a good meal prior to the visit. We want them to be at their best during the evaluation. Most children (and adults) are unable to perform well when they are hungry.
Wear comfortable clothes that are right for the temperature. Since the temperature changes in Texas so quickly, they should bring a sweater or jacket even if it is supposed to be warm outside.
Can I watch while my child is being tested (if under the age of majority)?
No, not usually. There are strict testing guidelines that prohibit parent/guardian observation. However, the parent is not allowed to leave the premises during the testing sessions.
Will I be given the test results and recommendations the same day of the evaluation?
No. The staff at Pryor & Associates will need time to score and analyze the test results and will use the test results, information from the school and all the information you have provided to make diagnoses and develop recommendations. The diagnoses and recommendations will be shared with you and/or the client during your final appointment.
Should I/my child or student take all regular medications before testing?
Absolutely. This will be our only opportunity to evaluate you or your child. It is important that we see the best academic performance during the testing in our offices. Make sure you or your child takes the same medications at the usual times he/she would during the regular academic year. The medication should be taken if the testing is done during summer vacation, spring break or a school holiday. If you have questions, please call prior to the first appointment.
What should I bring to the testing appointment?
A Parent Questionnaire and a Teacher/Instructor Questionnaire were picked up by you or sent to you via email or US mail. You will need to bring these to the first appointment. Please make sure that these are completely filled out.
If your child/client has had any new testing in school, please bring copies of this information. This will help the staff at Pryor & Associates to design an even more specific evaluation.
Bring you or your child's most recent report card/transcript.
The evaluation is usually one to two visits, depending on individual circumstances. The client will be tested during the first 1-2 appointments. No results will be available after the first appointments. The last appointment is when the parents (and sometimes, students) will meet to discuss the results and share recommendations.
How long are the appointments?
Texting Appointment: Depending on the client's needs, these appointments can take up to three hours. (Some Saturday appointments are available on first come first serve basis.
Last Appointment:/Clinical Review: Discussion of the test results and recommendations usually last from 45 to 90 minutes. We recommend that you schedule at least two hours for this appointment in case of delays.
How should I prepare for the visit?
If the client is a minor, tell your child that there are no objects that will hurt them at the office where they will be tested. Your child should know that the purpose of the testing is to find out what some things (such as school or speaking) hard. He/she will do work in a room with a nice speech/learning specialist. Encourage your child to do their very best work.
Be sure the client being assessed has eaten a good meal prior to the visit. We want them to be at their best during the evaluation. Most children (and adults) are unable to perform well when they are hungry.
Wear comfortable clothes that are right for the temperature. Since the temperature changes in Texas so quickly, they should bring a sweater or jacket even if it is supposed to be warm outside.
Can I watch while my child is being tested (if under the age of majority)?
No, not usually. There are strict testing guidelines that prohibit parent/guardian observation. However, the parent is not allowed to leave the premises during the testing sessions.
Will I be given the test results and recommendations the same day of the evaluation?
No. The staff at Pryor & Associates will need time to score and analyze the test results and will use the test results, information from the school and all the information you have provided to make diagnoses and develop recommendations. The diagnoses and recommendations will be shared with you and/or the client during your final appointment.
Should I/my child or student take all regular medications before testing?
Absolutely. This will be our only opportunity to evaluate you or your child. It is important that we see the best academic performance during the testing in our offices. Make sure you or your child takes the same medications at the usual times he/she would during the regular academic year. The medication should be taken if the testing is done during summer vacation, spring break or a school holiday. If you have questions, please call prior to the first appointment.
What should I bring to the testing appointment?
A Parent Questionnaire and a Teacher/Instructor Questionnaire were picked up by you or sent to you via email or US mail. You will need to bring these to the first appointment. Please make sure that these are completely filled out.
If your child/client has had any new testing in school, please bring copies of this information. This will help the staff at Pryor & Associates to design an even more specific evaluation.
Bring you or your child's most recent report card/transcript.
Who should come with my child (under 18 years of age)?
During the testing appointments, we require that at least one parent accompany the child to the appointment. It is necessary that one parent remain in the facility during the testing appointments if the child is under 18 years of age.
Both parents/guardians should come to the final appointment since this is when we will discuss the diagnosis and recommendations. Although it would be beneficial for your older child (12 & over) to come to all appointments, it is not required that he and/or she be present at the final appointment during the review of the diagnoses and recommendations. We do not provide childcare, so parents are responsible for their children at all times while in our offices.
What if we are not able to keep our appointment?
Notify the Pryor & Associates office within 72 hours of your appointment by calling 972.900.9730. You may also email at contact@pryorandassociates.com. There is a $25 charge per day if appointments are not cancelled within 72 hours of the scheduled appointment.
What payment types do you accept?
Pryor & Associates accepts Visa, MasterCard, and most major credit cards. We also accept payment via PayPal.