| Frequently Asked Questions |
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy can be hard to describe in a sentence or two, so many people feel it is
easier to start by explaining what therapy is not: Therapy is not advice giving, it is not
a best friendship, it is not a magic fix to make all of your challenges disappear.
Psychotherapy is the dynamic relationship between you and your therapist that takes
place in an environment in which you feel comfortable to open up and explore your
inner self and the challenges you are facing in your life. This unique type of
relationship allows you to feel safer in discussing your greatest concerns and provides a
foundation for the therapist to encourage and challenge you to achieve your goals and
grow to see your greatest potentials. To truly realize your potential, however, takes
courage and commitment to the process. In the right therapeutic relationship, over time
you will see positive changes within yourself and your life.
How does psychotherapy help?
Research and experience demonstrates the effectiveness of psychotherapy, in which we
explore and identify core concerns and work to find new answers and healing
experiences. Some of the most common reasons people seek and find counseling to be
beneficial is to address interpersonal or relationship problems, stress, family changes
and conflict, life transitions, and emotional distress (including experiences such as
anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc.). Through the therapeutic process, you will become
empowered to make conscious choices about yourself and your life. You will have the
opportunity to resume authority and control over your thoughts, feelings, actions, and
decisions in life. Ultimately, you will be inspired to love yourself and live your best life.
Will psychotherapy help ME?
It is healing to talk about that which is weighing heavily on you. You may have
experienced this sense of relief when you have talked with a friend or family member
about your concerns. Counseling is unique in that it involves working with your
therapist who is not otherwise involved in your life. Therefore, her only concern is your
health and wellbeing, and she is able to support you in exploring what will be of the
greatest benefit for you and your life. Her academic and professional training gives her
insight, tools, and experience to assist you in identifying your core concerns, developing
effective interventions, and beginning life changes that are in line with your values and
needs and that you will be able to sustain. In this way, therapy takes you beyond your
obvious concerns. Often we are readily able to identify that which bothers us about our
lives, but we are unable to make a change; we find ourselves stuck in a rut. Therapy
helps to identify what is blocking you from achieving your greatest potential and helps
you create a plan for living your ideal life. If you are exploring this website, it is likely
that you or someone you love has reached a point of being "stuck" or that you feel
overwhelmed by your life circumstances. If this is true, it is worth taking the time to
call and schedule an appointment to discuss specifically how therapy could benefit you
and get you back on track or on the start of your next chapter in life.
How long will I be in therapy?
That answer is unique to the individual and to the presenting concerns. Some people
achieve their goals in only a few sessions; others may be engaged in the therapeutic
process for months or years. It is important to continually engage in dialogue with your
therapist about your goals and progress in achieving them. If at any point you feel as
though you are not getting what you want out of the experience, it is imperative to tell
your therapist. He or she is tremendously interested in that feedback, and often some of
the most beneficial sessions come out of these types of dialogues.
What about medication?
For some mental health concerns, the use of psychotrophic medications can be extremely
beneficial, and it is recommended that in certain circumstances people consult with a
psychiatrist to discuss how medications may or may not be of benefit. However, not all
life challenges benefit from medication, and even when medication is appropriate,
research demonstrates that the benefits of medication are often greatest when the person
is also involved in appropriate counseling. Furthermore, if the concerns are more than
just biologically based, meaning that the concerns involve behavioral or interpersonal
challenges, then medication alone will not solve the problem, and certainly will not solve
it in the long run. Therapy, on the other hand, looks to identify and address the core
issues, so that people can make effective and long standing life changes.
Is therapy expensive?
Depending on whether or not you have insurance and the type of mental health benefits
it provides, therapy can be a financial expense. What is more, it requires a commitment
of your time and energy. However, it truly is an investment in yourself and in your life,
and you will continue to see returns on your investment long after the therapeutic
process has ended. If you are not operating at your best and healthiest, then nothing in
your life can be either. How much are you paying in terms of your energy,
relationships, emotional wellbeing, satisfaction, etc. by not investing in addressing your
concerns?
What is the difference between a psychiatrist, a psychologist, psychotherapist,
counselor, social worker, etc?
A psychiatrist has an MD (Doctor of Medicine) and has chosen to specialize in mental
health concerns. A psychiatrist may provide therapy, but often they see clients for 15-30
minutes and help them in managing their medications.
A psychologist has a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) or EdD
(Doctor of Education) and treats clients with therapy but in most states does not
prescribe medication. Psychologists with specialized training can also do mental health
and forensic testing and assessment.
A counselor, therapist, psychotherapist, social worker, marriage and family therapist,
etc. should all at least have a Masters degree in a related field. It is important to know
what type of a degree a professional has, as well as the type of clinical training he or
she has received. Not all graduate programs include theoretical orientation and
training in clinical psychology and marriage and family therapy. Most of these licensed
professionals can provide counseling or therapy and refer to psychiatrists when needed
for medication or to psychologists when needed for testing and in depth evaluations.
What kind of professional should I see?
It depends on what your needs are, and in some cases you may work in collaboration
with more than one professional. Regardless of which type of professional you work
with, you are entitled to know about their qualifications and experience, and all of them
should abide by their professional code of ethics. As with any relationship, some people
may feel like a more appropriate fit for you than others. When relevant, take the time to
meet and consult with more than one professional.
What are your qualifications?
I am a Montana Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a graduate degree in
Clinical Psychology, focusing on Marriage and Family therapy, with a Child Studies
Specialization. I obtained my MA in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in
Los Angeles, California and my BA in Psychology from Pacific University in Forest
Grove, Oregon. For more detailed information, please visit the "Credentials" page.
How soon can I schedule an appointment?
Initial consultations are usually scheduled within one to two weeks, depending on
availability. To begin, clients typically schedule 50 minute sessions weekly or every
other week.
Do you accept insurance?
I am a participating provider for most insurance companies and Medicaid. Please call
the office for more information. It is advisable to know your mental health benefits,
including requirements for pre-certification or authorization, co-pays, deductibles, and
the number of sessions allowed. Private pay clients are also welcome. Payments,
including co-pays are due each session and are payable to cash, check or credit card.
How do I get additional questions answered?
If you have any additional questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please
call the office at 406.294.5044 or submit an online inquiry.
Psychotherapy can be hard to describe in a sentence or two, so many people feel it is
easier to start by explaining what therapy is not: Therapy is not advice giving, it is not
a best friendship, it is not a magic fix to make all of your challenges disappear.
Psychotherapy is the dynamic relationship between you and your therapist that takes
place in an environment in which you feel comfortable to open up and explore your
inner self and the challenges you are facing in your life. This unique type of
relationship allows you to feel safer in discussing your greatest concerns and provides a
foundation for the therapist to encourage and challenge you to achieve your goals and
grow to see your greatest potentials. To truly realize your potential, however, takes
courage and commitment to the process. In the right therapeutic relationship, over time
you will see positive changes within yourself and your life.
How does psychotherapy help?
Research and experience demonstrates the effectiveness of psychotherapy, in which we
explore and identify core concerns and work to find new answers and healing
experiences. Some of the most common reasons people seek and find counseling to be
beneficial is to address interpersonal or relationship problems, stress, family changes
and conflict, life transitions, and emotional distress (including experiences such as
anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc.). Through the therapeutic process, you will become
empowered to make conscious choices about yourself and your life. You will have the
opportunity to resume authority and control over your thoughts, feelings, actions, and
decisions in life. Ultimately, you will be inspired to love yourself and live your best life.
Will psychotherapy help ME?
It is healing to talk about that which is weighing heavily on you. You may have
experienced this sense of relief when you have talked with a friend or family member
about your concerns. Counseling is unique in that it involves working with your
therapist who is not otherwise involved in your life. Therefore, her only concern is your
health and wellbeing, and she is able to support you in exploring what will be of the
greatest benefit for you and your life. Her academic and professional training gives her
insight, tools, and experience to assist you in identifying your core concerns, developing
effective interventions, and beginning life changes that are in line with your values and
needs and that you will be able to sustain. In this way, therapy takes you beyond your
obvious concerns. Often we are readily able to identify that which bothers us about our
lives, but we are unable to make a change; we find ourselves stuck in a rut. Therapy
helps to identify what is blocking you from achieving your greatest potential and helps
you create a plan for living your ideal life. If you are exploring this website, it is likely
that you or someone you love has reached a point of being "stuck" or that you feel
overwhelmed by your life circumstances. If this is true, it is worth taking the time to
call and schedule an appointment to discuss specifically how therapy could benefit you
and get you back on track or on the start of your next chapter in life.
How long will I be in therapy?
That answer is unique to the individual and to the presenting concerns. Some people
achieve their goals in only a few sessions; others may be engaged in the therapeutic
process for months or years. It is important to continually engage in dialogue with your
therapist about your goals and progress in achieving them. If at any point you feel as
though you are not getting what you want out of the experience, it is imperative to tell
your therapist. He or she is tremendously interested in that feedback, and often some of
the most beneficial sessions come out of these types of dialogues.
What about medication?
For some mental health concerns, the use of psychotrophic medications can be extremely
beneficial, and it is recommended that in certain circumstances people consult with a
psychiatrist to discuss how medications may or may not be of benefit. However, not all
life challenges benefit from medication, and even when medication is appropriate,
research demonstrates that the benefits of medication are often greatest when the person
is also involved in appropriate counseling. Furthermore, if the concerns are more than
just biologically based, meaning that the concerns involve behavioral or interpersonal
challenges, then medication alone will not solve the problem, and certainly will not solve
it in the long run. Therapy, on the other hand, looks to identify and address the core
issues, so that people can make effective and long standing life changes.
Is therapy expensive?
Depending on whether or not you have insurance and the type of mental health benefits
it provides, therapy can be a financial expense. What is more, it requires a commitment
of your time and energy. However, it truly is an investment in yourself and in your life,
and you will continue to see returns on your investment long after the therapeutic
process has ended. If you are not operating at your best and healthiest, then nothing in
your life can be either. How much are you paying in terms of your energy,
relationships, emotional wellbeing, satisfaction, etc. by not investing in addressing your
concerns?
What is the difference between a psychiatrist, a psychologist, psychotherapist,
counselor, social worker, etc?
A psychiatrist has an MD (Doctor of Medicine) and has chosen to specialize in mental
health concerns. A psychiatrist may provide therapy, but often they see clients for 15-30
minutes and help them in managing their medications.
A psychologist has a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) or EdD
(Doctor of Education) and treats clients with therapy but in most states does not
prescribe medication. Psychologists with specialized training can also do mental health
and forensic testing and assessment.
A counselor, therapist, psychotherapist, social worker, marriage and family therapist,
etc. should all at least have a Masters degree in a related field. It is important to know
what type of a degree a professional has, as well as the type of clinical training he or
she has received. Not all graduate programs include theoretical orientation and
training in clinical psychology and marriage and family therapy. Most of these licensed
professionals can provide counseling or therapy and refer to psychiatrists when needed
for medication or to psychologists when needed for testing and in depth evaluations.
What kind of professional should I see?
It depends on what your needs are, and in some cases you may work in collaboration
with more than one professional. Regardless of which type of professional you work
with, you are entitled to know about their qualifications and experience, and all of them
should abide by their professional code of ethics. As with any relationship, some people
may feel like a more appropriate fit for you than others. When relevant, take the time to
meet and consult with more than one professional.
What are your qualifications?
I am a Montana Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with a graduate degree in
Clinical Psychology, focusing on Marriage and Family therapy, with a Child Studies
Specialization. I obtained my MA in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in
Los Angeles, California and my BA in Psychology from Pacific University in Forest
Grove, Oregon. For more detailed information, please visit the "Credentials" page.
How soon can I schedule an appointment?
Initial consultations are usually scheduled within one to two weeks, depending on
availability. To begin, clients typically schedule 50 minute sessions weekly or every
other week.
Do you accept insurance?
I am a participating provider for most insurance companies and Medicaid. Please call
the office for more information. It is advisable to know your mental health benefits,
including requirements for pre-certification or authorization, co-pays, deductibles, and
the number of sessions allowed. Private pay clients are also welcome. Payments,
including co-pays are due each session and are payable to cash, check or credit card.
How do I get additional questions answered?
If you have any additional questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please
call the office at 406.294.5044 or submit an online inquiry.
| Psychotherapy that empowers, inspires and heals. |
| Becky Webber-Dereszynski, MA LCPC RWD Psychotherapy, PLLC |
