Frequently Asked Questions About Psychotherapy

What is Psychotherapy? Psychotherapy is not just about the mind.  When a person suffers trauma, loss, anxiety, depression or from relational or addiction problems, the whole person is affected.  You may lose your appetite, want to sleep all the time or you may experience the extreme opposite: sleeplessness or increased activity or eating.  It all depends on the individual and situations that have been experienced. Psychotherapy treats problems through the use of techniques designed to encourage communication, discover patterns of thoughts or behaviors and develop insight. The outcome of psychotherapy is personality growth and behavioral changes that lead to increased satisfaction with one’s life in the context of its environment. Psychotherapy can also be a means to self-discovery, a journey that involves exploration and methods of listening and expression that serves the goals or desires of the one seeking it. Since people are whole beings, psychotherapy works best when the person is treated as a whole, physical, spiritual, mental being in the context of a particular environment.

Will it work for me?
 Many people feel a great deal of benefit from psychotherapy, some even after comparatively few meetings. Like any other treatment or life experience, psychotherapy may not be suitable for everyone. Each individual has to make up their own mind about whether therapy is helpful for them. The initial consultations aim to help people think about this, in collaboration with a therapist. Clinical experience shows that if you are motivated and set yourself realistic goals, psychotherapy is likely to be of benefit.

What are the necessary credentials for a Licensed Psychotherapist? A licensed psychotherapist obtains a master’s degree or doctorate in a chosen mental health field, undergoes a supervised clinical residency, and is licensed, certified, or registered by a government or psychological agency to which they are accountable.

Is it important to choose a Psychotherapist who is licensed by the state? A state license insures that a Psychotherapist has been properly trained, operates under the ethical standards of a professional association governed by the state and is held accountable for upholding these standards.

What are some different types of licensed Psychotherapists? Licensed professionals who practice psychotherapy include the following:

Drug and alcohol counselors, ordained priests, ministers, and rabbis may practice psychotherapy without a license. In some states, a person with a master’s degree in education or psychology may also practice psychotherapy without a license.

With offices in Fort Myers, FL, Cindy's practice serves all of Southwest Florida, for more information call:
Phone 239-822-7880
Fax 866-411-8254