What is Psychotherapy?

The process of psychotherapy involves self-exploration of the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behavior. With the goal of exploring how you think; perceive life events, experiences, and the world.  Through the core modality of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), your irrational thoughts, that keep you stuck, are modified and thus your behavior is modified.  At Zen Imago, PLLC we incorporate principles of Jungian Psychotherapy which focuses on the strengthening of the individual through consciousness raising, i.e. awareness.  The premise is that once we become aware, we can focus on the process of INDIVIDUATION; in essence being our true selves.  This is done through a process called Selving or Selfing.  During the course of therapy, you become more astute at identifying the light and dark aspects of the Self.  The darker aspects are referred to as the Shadow and your goal is to incorporate and accept the Shadow as real parts of yourself in an effort to integrate.  The struggle between the Light and the Shadow is known as the “tension of opposites” and when we experience this tension (anxiety, depression, anger, stress, and general restlessness), it is a sign that we want to change and integrate.  At this point, we are ready to be ourselves and need help getting there.

 

Who needs Psychotherapy?

EVERYONE.  Most people seek therapy during times of crisis; however, therapy should be used as a preventive measure as well, not just as an intervention.  Routine counseling can help assist with a variety of situations.  It can help you create work/life balance; strategize career moves; establish personal goals and ways to achieve them; improve relationships; or just help you to vent and process day to day life.  However, if you have experienced a trauma such as exposure to domestic violence, murder, assault, physical, sexual, emotional, financial, or verbal abuse you should seek help immediately whether it happened 2 hours ago or 30 years ago.

Also, if you are the child of an alcoholic or addict, your ability to establish proper boundaries (too tight or too loose) has been compromised and you should seek help learning to establish those boundaries.  Learn how to become an advocate for yourself.  

Become a better person through learning to regulate your emotional response to stressors. If you are often hostile or angry for no reason without any control over it; this is because you have unmet needs and desires…you believe your feelings do not matter but they do matter.  Therapy can help you express anger appropriately and process your feelings.  If you have flawed or impaired judgment, therapy can assist you in becoming a person you can trust.

What about Serious Mental Illness?

If you or someone you know struggles with a serious mental illness, it is important to have a well-rounded care plan.  That includes routine counseling/therapy to help develop and maintain appropriate coping skills related to managing the illness: MEDICATION ALONE IS NOT TREATMENT!!!  If you are wondering whether you have a mental/emotional illness, you can schedule an evaluation/assessment.

Can I Afford Treatment?

Yes!  You can’t afford to not get help.  We accept most major insurances and offer some of the lowest pricing available for the highest caliber of services you can get.  Our first priority is your well-being, not the bottom line. Call or email us for more information.

No one is ever turned away: We will assist you in finding resources and care if you are indigent.

What should I expect?

The decision to come to therapy may produce some anxiety.  Here are a few tips to help you with the process.  

  1. Arrive 10 minutes early so you have a little time to get comfortable.  Bring your completed forms along with your insurance card and ID.  
  2. Please avoid cell phone use while in the waiting area.  
  3. Also, do not have multiple persons accompany you if they are not part of your treatment.  
  4. Use your inside voice as Zen-ing is in progress.  Have a seat and you will be greeted by your Zen Valet/Therapist.  Your therapist will go over your forms with you to ensure you understand your rights related to the therapeutic process.
  5. During the first session, expect to be asked many questions about your family history, childhood, relationship status, and current reason for seeking therapy; it is normal to experience anxiousness or stress.  If you need to stand or take a break, it is ok to do so.  
  6. Be honest. Therapy is a process and it works if you use what you learn thus being truthful is essential to obtaining the best results.

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