What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy (also called “therapy" or "counseling") can vary in terms approach, frequency, and duration. It usually involves meeting on a consistent basis during which we discuss the issues affecting your life. We explore these ideas while considering both present and past influences. While there are cognitive and behavioral components, much of what is therapeutic takes place on deeper emotional and relational levels.

When should I see a therapist?
If you are not satisfied with your life and wish that you could be living more happily, successfully, or freely, then therapy will likely be helpful for you. Anxiety, depression, anger, fear, loneliness, relationship problems, and substance use are a few of the many reasons that people decide to consult a therapist.

Does what is bothering me require professional help?
Many people believe that they need to be suffering from “mental illness” or serious psychological problems in order for therapy to be appropriate.  This is not the case. Those with less severe issues often greatly benefit from therapy because their existing psychological strengths allow them to make more rapid and substantial changes.

Why try therapy?
Therapy provides a close relationship that allows you to explore your most personal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a safe, empathic, non-judgmental setting. Unlike a friend or family member with whom you have a personal relationship and who is never completely able to separate themselves from the experiences that you describe, a therapist is able to provide an objective perspective that is solely focused on you and your experience.

Why see a licensed psychotherapist? (Why not a psychiatrist?)
This is a question many people have. As opposed to psychiatrists who are medical doctors and predominantly trained in diagnosing mental illness and prescribing medications, psychologists and psychotherapists are trained in psychotherapy, which is a person who treats mental health issues by psychological rather than medical (medication) means. Sometimes people will see a psychotherapist and a psychiatrist at the same time, for talk therapy sessions with their therapist and to be assessed and prescribed mental health medication, if needed, from their psychiatrist.

What do all these letters mean?
In the state of NC there are several licensing boards for therapists:
- LCMHC, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
- MFT, Marriage and Family Therapist
- LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
There is not much difference between these licenses, as their training is, in general, most focused on the theory and practice of providing psychotherapy to all people-- children, adults, couples, and entire families.

What kind of therapist are you?
Many people associate psychotherapy with the classic, impersonal, restrained “Freudian" therapist-- the person sitting silently in the chair and nodding. This is not an accurate representation of how most therapists (including myself) work. Sessions are interactive and collaborative. We explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, the present and the past, the conscious and the unconscious. Often, we try to make sense of troubling behaviors and relationships that you “know” are not working but are confused about how to change or stop.

What happens during the first session?
The first session is a general consultation. It is, in some ways, like an initial appointment with a new primary care doctor. We will get to know each other and discuss the issues that are troubling you. If you are comfortable and we decide to begin working together, we will then discuss how therapy can be helpful and start to set some preliminary directions and goals. We will continue to talk about these things during our second meeting, as well as discuss any reactions that you have to our first session.

How long will therapy take?
Therapy can last from a few sessions to much longer, depending on a number of factors including the life changes that you desire. In general, you remain in therapy as long as you feel it is helping you to develop and grow.

How often should I come?
It depends on what kinds of problems you're experiencing and what your goals are. Some clients enter therapy with a very specific issue and find after 4-6 sessions they are able to integrate solution-focused skills into their lives without continuing therapy. More often people start off attending weekly sessions for many months. Therapy is not a "quick fix" as it takes great time and effort to delve inward, unravel old patterns, and implement change. Some clients attend therapy on a monthly basis for maintenance after making significant progress throughout weekly/every-other-week sessions. Simply put: one size does not fit all. We'll work together to decide what is right for you. Therapists are the experts when it comes to psychotherapy, but you are always the expert on you and your life. 

What can I expect to achieve in therapy?
Successful therapy will help you to come to feel more genuine and true to yourself, and to improve the quality of your life. In addition to reducing or eliminating "symptoms,” therapy helps foster many different kinds of personal growth, including increased self-understanding and awareness, deeper and more intimate relationships, and more satisfying career paths and life directions.

Why Banyan Tree Counseling?
At Banyan Tree Counseling, therapy is our greatest passion. We consider ourselves students of the universe and do not assume to know it all. It is of utmost importance that we keep abreast of the newest psychological theories and practices so that we can continue to help our clients in the best ways possible. We attend various renowned psychological conferences and training workshops regularly. However not every therapist is the best fit for every person who comes through their door. If this happens to be the case, we are happy to refer you out to one of our trusted colleagues.

We truly look forward to connecting with you in this space. We feel honored to walk alongside you on your unique journey.