Gina L. Prigoff, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Contact me: 901-268-4964
Sessions are by appointment only
Psychological Services for Individual & Group Therapy
Common Questions & Answers
How can therapy help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. 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, and body image issues. 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:
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Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values•Developing skills for improving your relationships
Developing skills for improving your relationships•Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy•Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety•Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures•Improving communications and listening skills
Improving communications and listening skills•Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones•Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage•Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidenceDo 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.
What happens in therapy?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions (usually weekly).
It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, I may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process - such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives and take responsibility for their lives.
Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Attorney, etc.), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
1)If a non-minor client provides written permission to release his/her own clinical information;
If a non-minor client provides written permission to release his/her own clinical information;2)If it is judged that a client is in danger of hurting him or herself or someone else;
If it is judged that a client is in danger of hurting him or herself or someone else;3)If a client's records are court-ordered to be released due to litigation of any kind;
If a client's records are court-ordered to be released due to litigation of any kind;4) If there is reason to suspect that a child, spouse, or elder is being abused or neglected.
If there is reason to suspect that a child, spouse, or elder is being abused or neglected.Helpful Links*
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