It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor, but referrals are not needed for psychotherapy. It never hurts to call and see if a therapist can help you. Consults are free.

That said, psychotherapy is especially recommended when your daily functioning is compromised: for example, your ability to work, your relationships at home or otherwise, etc. This is a sign that things could be getting worse, and your quality of life is at stake. If you have any symptoms that last longer than a month, you may want to consider seeking help.

Such symptoms could include: lack of motivation, shortness of breath, physical pain with no explanation (i.e. “psychosomatic pain”), fits of anger, ongoing grief, anxiety, paranoia, etc.

If you know what your issues are, we can start there. Usually, in my Emotionally-Focused approach, we’ll want to address conflict resolution skills and work on improving trust and intimacy using foundational exercises and best practices. Then, using Gottman-Method scientifically verified assessments, we’ll mark red flags and work towards strengthening key areas of your relationship and setting you up for success in the long-term.

If you’re still unsure about couples therapy, check out this blog post or reach out for a free phone consultation.

Psychotherapy is talk therapy for mental health concerns like emotional distress, stress management, lack of confidence, anxiety, depression, and more. The scope is broad, but if you feel stuck or in need of help with emotions or personal growth, it’s worth trying a free consultation with some therapists to see if they could help.

For more information on psychotherapy or other terms, check out this post, or contact me for a free consultation here.