Common Questions

Is therapy confidential?

The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission. However, there are a few exceptions: 

• Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which our clinicians are required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, our clinicians must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself, our clinicians will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, our clinicians will take further measures without their permission that are provided to them by law in order to ensure the client's safety.
• A court-order from a judge.

I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the ability to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have some strengths that you’ve used before, that for whatever reason isn’t working right now. Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your past strengths. Our clinicians at Bodhi will help you identify what those strengths are and how to implement them again in what is happening now.

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, if you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication alone cannot solve all issues. What medication does is treat the symptoms. Your work with our clinicians is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals. Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. Our clinicians tailor their therapeutic approaches to our client's specific needs.

How long will it take?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

We are so glad that you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication is crucial to your success. After all, you only see your therapist for one session every week or two. It’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development.

My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual counseling or come together?

Each of our clinicians has a different approach to couples and family sessions. If you are concerned about your relationship, and you would both like to work one of our clinicians, you would talk about your preferences during your initial screening with our client services coordinator. Once you are paired with a clinician, the clinician will work with you to offer their insight on the best course of action. That might include each partner working the same clinician in a combination of individual and couples sessions, or possibly having each partner work with separate clinician and one of those two clinicians conducting the couples sessions.