Frequently Asked Questions

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 relationship troubles, depression, anxiety, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, and creative blocks. Many people also find that therapists 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

Why do people usually go to therapy?​

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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 as well as they would like. Some would like assistance managing a range of other issues such as relationship problems, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, and creative blocks.  Therapy can help provide answers to burning questions, 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. 

What is therapy like?​

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, it will be different depending on the individual, couple, or family.  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. Those who make the most progress in psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes, 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. If you are interested in a combination of therapy and medication, we recommend collaboration between therapist and doctor. 

How much does an appointment cost and can I use insurance to cover this?

Prices vary based on type of service provided and insurance provider, please call to inquire. Currently accepting the following insurances:

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• BlueCross BlueShield

• Cigna

• Humana/Life Synch

• Medicare

• United Behavioral Health/Optum

Please call (312) 348-6296 or email info@mcclymondspsychology.com to inquire.