Commonly Asked Questions ~ FAQ's ~ about Counseling

Is therapy right for me?

Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.

Do I really need therapy? (I can usually handle my problems.)

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

How can therapy help me?

A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors 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 relationships;
•Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence.

What is therapy like?

Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives.

Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:

•Compassion, respect and understanding
•Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
•Real strategies for enacting positive change
•Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance

Is medication a substitute for therapy?

In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you. 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.

Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?

Ms. Beckman does not participate in any insurance plans. However she will provide you with a statement of service with codes and diagnosis required by insurance companies for out of network reimbursement. Check with your insurance provider for details. To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier.

Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:

•What are my mental health benefits?
•What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
•How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?

Is therapy confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client. You will be thoroughly informed of your rights to privacy at the beginning of treatment.

Individuals, couples and families often have questions about therapy...

Is therapy right for me?

Do I really need therapy?

(I can usually handle my problems.)

How can therapy help me?

What is therapy like?

Is medication a substitute for therapy?

Do you accept insurance?

How does insurance work?

Is therapy confidential?

Amy Beckman LCSW

Psychotherapist

Counseling for individuals, couples and families.

Serving teens and adults.

1499 Chain Bridge Rd., Suite 200

McLean, VA 22101

(703) 356-3239

Amy@NorthernVirginiaPsychotherapy.com

Amy Beckman, LCSW sees patients for individual (teens and adults) & couples counseling, family therapy, and lifestyle coaching in Northern Virginia. As a therapist and counselor, she treats for depression and anxiety including bi-polar disorder, grief and loss, substance use and abuse, relationship, parenting, stress management, and education, work & career issues. From her McLean, VA practice, she serves the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area including the counties of Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William in Virginia including the neighborhoods of McLean, Great Falls, Countryside, Sterling, Hemdon, Reston, Wolf Trap, Tysons Corner, Pimmit Hills, Idylwood, Falls Church, Arlington, Seven Corners, Bailey’s Crossroads, Chantilly, Centreville, Fair Lakes, Fairfax, Oakton, Mantua, Merrifield, Annandale, Lincolnia, Alexandria, Springfield, Burke, Newington, Woodbridge, and Dale City; and the county of Montgomery in Maryland including the neighborhoods of Potomac, Bethesda and North Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Rockville.