Participating in therapy provides a lot of advantages. Therapists can help with depression, anxiety, relationship problems, unresolved childhood issues, loss, stress management, body image concerns, and creative blocks by providing support, problem-solving skills, improved coping methods, and more. Therapy can also help with personal growth, interpersonal connections, family concerns, marriage issues, and the stresses of everyday life, according to many people. Therapists can give you a new perspective on a challenging issue or send you in the right way for help. The benefits you get from therapy are determined by how well you use the process and put what you've learned into practice.

Everyone encounters difficult moments in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through prior obstacles, there's nothing wrong with seeking further help when it is needed. You do not have to have a serious problem with depression, anxiety, fear, or addiction to get help. Believe it or not, therapy is for those who have enough self-awareness to recognize that they require assistance, which is admirable. Recognizing where you are in life and committing to altering the issue by getting therapy is taking responsibility. Therapy provides long-term benefits and support, equipping you with the skills you need to avoid triggers, re-direct harmful behaviors, and overcome any obstacles you may face.

People seek psychotherapy for many different reasons. Some people may be going through a big life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.) or cannot cope with stressful situations. Low self-esteem, despair, anxiety, addictions, marital challenges, spiritual conflicts, and creative obstacles are concerns that some people require help with. Therapy can provide much-needed support and skills to assist people in getting through these difficult times. Others may be at a point in their lives when they desire to learn more about themselves or be more effective in achieving their goals. In short, people who seek psychotherapy are prepared to face their issues and make changes in their life.

Therapy will differ based on the individual because each person has various issues and goals for treatment. In general, you should anticipate talking about current events in your life, personal history related to your problem, and progress (or any new insights gained) from your prior therapy session. Therapy may be for a short period based on the specific issue or longer-term to address more difficult habits or your desire for more profound personal development, depending on your particular needs. In either case, it is customary to meet with your therapist regularly (usually weekly or biweekly).

It is critical to recognize that you will get better outcomes from therapy if you actively participate in it. The ultimate goal of psychotherapy is to assist you in applying what you learn in sessions to your daily life. As a result, in addition to the work you do in therapy, your therapist may advise certain activities outside of the session to help your process, such as reading a relevant book, journaling on specific issues, recording particular habits, or taking action on your goals. People who seek psychotherapy are eager to make positive changes in their lives. They are open to new viewpoints and accept personal responsibility.

It has been established that medication alone cannot provide a long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause. Rather than only addressing the symptom, therapy addresses the source of our distress and the behavioral habits that impede our growth. A holistic approach to wellness is the most effective way to promote long-term progress and a stronger sense of well-being. Working with your doctor, you may evaluate what is best for you, and in some circumstances, a mix of medicine and treatment is the best option.

All new client requests for therapy appointments begin with a 30-minute complimentary consultation. This allows us to learn what your concerns are and assess if our practice can help. To book a complimentary session go to Book a Session at the top of the page. Select I am a New Client, follow the prompts and schedule an appointment at a time convenient for you.

You can also request a consultation by filling calling us at 833-833-2685. If you are unable to reach a live person, leave a message and someone from our team will reach out to you within 24 hours.

Holly Ashley & Associates wants to make psychotherapy services affordable for all and offers a sliding scale when needed and requested. Our sliding scale ranges from $65-$100, depending on the need and preference of the therapist.

If you have a financial need for low-cost or free therapy, check out our Resources page for organizations that can help.

Because human behavior can be so complex, it’s difficult to know how many sessions you will need to have. We generally tell clients that until they have accomplished all their goals. During the first session, we set very clear, specific goals, and check in periodically to see how close we are to meeting those goals. Once we have reached those goals, it’s time to “graduate”. That being said, the average client can be in therapy for about 6-12 months. Some longer. There are some clients who have returned after graduation. Everyone’s path is different.

Absolutely! It is vital to keep track of your mental wellness. Even if you're feeling alright, an annual mental health evaluation creates a baseline for your mental functioning. Dysfunctional thoughts and symptoms can emerge gradually and subtly. You may be unaware that mental illness has begun to influence your ideas and activities. Worse, many people may understand that they are experiencing "odd" feelings and attempt to self-regulate these feelings through substance abuse. An annual mental health check-up treats and identifies issues before they become critical.

Holly Ashley & Associates recommends Mental Health Check-ups for everyone at least two times per year. Our virtual appointments make it easier than ever before to stay connected.

One of the most crucial aspects of the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist is confidentiality. Successful treatment requires a high level of trust in dealing with highly sensitive subject matter that is normally discussed only in the therapist's office. Every therapist should give a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can anticipate that whatever you discuss in session will be kept private. This is known as "Informed Consent." However, you may want your therapist to share information or provide an update to someone on your healthcare team (such as your physician, naturopath, or attorney), but by law, your therapist cannot do so without your written permission.

Please note that state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

– Reporting suspected past or present child, adult, or senior abuse/neglect to authorities, including Child Protection Services and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.

– If the therapist has reason to believe the client is seriously considering harming themselves or has threatened to harm another person.

Before you get started, we recommend that you check with your insurance provider about your coverage for behavioral health services. We are “in-network” with Optum/United Healthcare. If you do not have Optum/United Healthcare, you may use your “out-of-network” benefits.

The first session is commonly known as an "Intake Assessment" appointment. The primary objective of this meeting is for the therapist to gather information about you and what you want to work on; also for you to get a sense of the therapist and see whether it feels like a good fit. Similarly, the therapist determines if their skill set will benefit you or whether you should be referred to someone with a different specialization or style. Don't expect to see any "therapizing" during this first session. It's similar to "syllabus day" in school, where you go over the semester and expectations but don't start studying anything.

Most clinicians will ask if you have any questions at the end of the intake appointment. You can utilize this chance to learn more about your therapist's training, experience with problems similar to yours, therapy goals, and how frequently they believe you should be seen. Then, you and your provider will evaluate whether working together is the best way to address your mental health issues. Remember that, while you may be apprehensive at first, your therapist is there to help lead you through the beginning, middle, and end of therapy.

We recognize the importance of the “right fit” with your therapist. If at any time, you feel that you would like to work with a different therapist, please either speak directly with your therapist, contact our Success Team via email at success@hollyashley.com or call 1-833-833-2685.