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Frequently Asked Questions About Psychotherapy
Deciding to begin psychotherapy can bring up a lot of questions. You may wonder whether therapy is right for what you are experiencing, what you are expected to talk about, or whether your concerns are significant enough to seek support. If you have never worked with a psychotherapist before, you may simply be unsure of what to expect.
Dr. Marianne Balton
These psychotherapy FAQs address questions you may have as you consider reaching out.
Exploring Support
How Do I Know if I Should See a Psychotherapist?
There is no single point at which someone becomes eligible for therapy. You do not have to wait for your situation to become a crisis.
You might consider psychotherapy if difficult thoughts or emotions are interfering with your daily life, relationships, routines, or sense of well-being. You may have experienced trauma that continues to affect you or find yourself struggling with anxiety, depression, or a significant change.
Sometimes the reason is less specific. You may simply feel that something is wrong, recognize that your usual ways of coping are no longer helping, or want a private place to understand yourself more clearly. Wanting support is a valid reason to begin exploring therapy.
What Issues Do You Address in Psychotherapy?
My primary areas of practice are trauma and PTSD, anxiety and depression, life transitions, sexual trauma and compulsive sexual behavior, and veteran and first responder trauma.
These concerns do not always exist separately. For example, you may experience anxiety or depression following trauma. A major life transition may bring older concerns to the surface. Experiences associated with military service or first responder work may affect your relationships, mood, or adjustment to a new stage of life.
You do not have to determine which category best describes you before contacting me. Therapy can focus on the experiences and concerns that are important to you.
What to Expect
Conversations in Psychotherapy
If you have never worked with a psychotherapist before, you may have questions about what sessions actually look like and what your role will be.
What Should I Talk About?
You can talk about the thoughts, emotions, experiences, relationships, and concerns that are affecting you. You do not need to prepare the perfect explanation. Therapy can begin with what is happening in your life today.
Is Therapy Only for People in Crisis?
No. People seek therapy at many different stages. Recognizing that something is affecting your emotional well-being can be enough reason to begin a conversation. You do not need to be in immediate crisis to benefit from support.
Will You Tell Me What to Do?
My practice is centered on creating space to explore your experiences, not judging you or assuming someone else's answer should automatically be yours. Therapy helps you consider what matters to you.
A Safe Space
What if I Am Nervous About Starting Therapy?
It is understandable to feel uncertain about discussing personal experiences with someone new.
You may wonder what you are supposed to say, whether you will be understood, or what another person will think about what you have experienced. Those concerns may feel especially strong when you are considering discussing trauma, addiction, depression, or another sensitive subject.
You do not need to arrive with a script.
I want my practice to feel welcoming from the beginning. You can start with the concerns that feel most comfortable to discuss and allow the conversation to develop from there.
Specific Questions
More FAQs About Therapy
Below are answers to specific questions regarding trauma, PTSD, anxiety, life transitions, and more.
Do I Have to Talk About Trauma Right Away?
No. You do not need to arrive prepared to tell your entire story at once. Discussing trauma can feel vulnerable, particularly if you have rarely spoken about an experience. I strive to provide a supportive, judgment-free environment where difficult experiences can be approached with respect for your individual needs. You can begin with what is affecting you now.
What if I Don't Know Whether I Have PTSD?
You do not need to diagnose yourself before contacting a psychotherapist. You may seek therapy because you believe trauma is affecting your life, or because something you experienced continues to trouble you. The absence of a diagnosis does not mean you cannot begin talking about what you are experiencing.
Can I Seek Therapy for Anxiety and Depression at the Same Time?
Yes. Anxiety and depression can occur together, and you do not need to choose only one concern to discuss. You may experience persistent worry while also feeling sad, emotionally exhausted, unmotivated, or disconnected. My practice allows room to explore these different concerns together.
Can Therapy Help Me Through a Major Life Change?
Psychotherapy can provide a dedicated place to process the emotions and uncertainty associated with significant changes. Life transitions involving relationships, work, family, loss, identity, or responsibilities can be challenging. If it is affecting your emotional well-being, it can be worth exploring.
Can I Talk About Sexual Trauma Without Being Judged?
Creating a judgment-free environment is central to my psychotherapy practice. I understand that sexual trauma can involve deeply personal experiences that may be difficult to discuss. My goal is to provide a welcoming environment where you can discuss your experiences with dignity and respect.
Can I Discuss Concerns About Addiction?
Yes. Addiction is one of the areas I address in my practice. You may already identify a particular concern as an addiction, or you may simply be questioning a behavior. I provide a judgment-free setting where you can speak honestly.
Do You Work With Veterans and First Responders?
Yes. Veteran and first responder trauma is a primary area of my psychotherapy practice. I provide a respectful setting where veterans and first responders can talk about how experiences connected to their work or service are affecting their lives today.
What if I Have More Than One Reason for Seeking Therapy?
That is completely acceptable. You might be navigating trauma while also experiencing anxiety or depression. You are not required to select one issue and ignore everything else. Psychotherapy can provide room to explore the connections between different experiences and concerns.
Take the Next Step
Have Another Question About Therapy?
Choosing to contact a psychotherapist can feel like a significant step, especially when you have been carrying difficult experiences privately. My goal is to make that step feel more approachable by providing a warm, compassionate, and judgment-free environment where you can be heard.
How Do I Get Started? Getting started can begin with a simple conversation. You do not need to know exactly what you want from therapy or prepare a complete explanation of everything you are experiencing.
Whether you know exactly what you want to discuss or are only beginning to consider psychotherapy, you are welcome to contact me, Dr. Marianne Balton, with questions about taking the next step.