FAQ from our clients

Welcome to Anew Counseling’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page! Here, you’ll find answers to the most common questions and concerns that our clients and prospective clients may have. We understand that embarking on a therapy journey can be a new and sometimes challenging experience, which is why we’ve compiled this comprehensive resource to help guide you through the process.

Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your mental health and well-being. If you have any additional questions or concerns that aren’t addressed here, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly. Our compassionate team is always here to help and support you on your journey towards self-discovery, growth, and healing.

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. Having the ability to recognize this is a step in the right direction. We can all benefit from wise counsel, and everyone needs help every 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 strengths. In our work together, I’ll help you identify how to implement your strengths as well as practical tools for your current situation.

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

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 too. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing your business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk 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. Our work together 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. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs.

How long will this take?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them. This includes the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals. It 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?

I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication is crucial to your success. After all, we only see each other for a session a week. 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?

If you are concerned about your relationship and you both would like to work with me, I would initially work with you together.

What is couples therapy and how can it benefit our relationship?

Couples therapy, also known as couples counseling or relationship therapy, is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and strengthening the emotional connection between partners in a romantic relationship. It is conducted by a licensed mental health professional who specializes in working with couples.

Couples therapy can benefit relationships in various ways, including:

  1. Enhancing communication skills: Therapy sessions can help couples develop effective communication techniques that foster mutual understanding, empathy, and respect.
  2. Resolving conflicts: A therapist can guide couples through conflict resolution strategies, helping them address and resolve issues in a constructive manner.
  3. Strengthening emotional bonds: Couples therapy can help partners better understand each other’s emotional needs and deepen their emotional connection.
  4. Improving intimacy and sexual satisfaction: By addressing underlying emotional and relational issues, couples therapy can enhance intimacy and sexual satisfaction within the relationship.
  5. Fostering personal growth and self-awareness: Through the therapeutic process, individuals can gain insight into their own behaviors, emotions, and beliefs, leading to personal growth and more fulfilling relationships.

It’s important to note that couples therapy is not limited to those experiencing severe relationship difficulties. Even couples with relatively healthy relationships can benefit from therapy to enhance their communication, deepen their emotional connection, and proactively address potential areas of conflict.

If you and your partner are considering couples therapy, it’s important to find a therapist who is a good fit for both of you. At Anew Counseling, our experienced therapists specialize in couples counseling and are dedicated to helping you build a stronger, more satisfying relationship.

What is couples therapy, and how does it work?

Couples therapy is a type of psychotherapy that helps couples address and resolve conflicts, improve communication, and strengthen their emotional connection. A trained therapist works with both partners to identify patterns, behaviors, and issues that may be negatively impacting the relationship and guides them in developing healthier ways of relating to one another.

How do we know if we need couples therapy?

Some signs that couples therapy may be beneficial include frequent arguments, unresolved conflicts, emotional distance, lack of trust, poor communication, or difficulties with intimacy. However, couples therapy can also be helpful as a preventive measure to strengthen an already healthy relationship.

How often should we attend couples therapy sessions?

The frequency of sessions will depend on the couple’s needs and the therapist’s recommendations. Typically, couples attend weekly or bi-weekly sessions, with adjustments made as progress is observed or circumstances change.

Will our therapist take sides during couples therapy sessions?

A professional couples therapist will remain neutral and impartial throughout the therapy process, working with both partners equally to facilitate positive change. The therapist’s role is to help the couple develop a deeper understanding of each other’s perspectives and support them in finding solutions that benefit both individuals and the relationship.

Can we attend couples therapy if we’re not married or in a long-term relationship?

Yes, couples therapy can be beneficial for couples at any stage of their relationship, including dating, cohabitating, or engaged couples. The focus is on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and fostering a healthier, more satisfying relationship, regardless of marital status.

Do you recommend going to a 12 Step Group?

Some people find a lot of benefits from attending a 12 Step Fellowship. The following are a list of 12 Step groups that my clients have attended.

  • Sex Addicts Anonymous
  • Sexaholics Anonymous
  • Sexual Compulsives Anonymous
  • Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
  • Recovering Couples Anonymous

What is porn addiction, and how is it different from regular porn use?

Porn addiction is characterized by an inability to control the urge to consume pornography, resulting in negative impacts on one’s personal, professional, and social life. Regular porn use, on the other hand, is occasional and does not cause significant distress or interfere with daily functioning.

What are the signs and symptoms of porn addiction?

Signs and symptoms of porn addiction can include a preoccupation with pornography, inability to control or reduce porn use, neglecting responsibilities or relationships, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit, using pornography as a coping mechanism for negative emotions, and engaging in risky behaviors to access porn.

How can therapy help someone struggling with porn addiction?

Therapy can help individuals struggling with porn addiction by addressing the underlying emotional and psychological factors that contribute to the addictive behavior. A therapist can help the individual develop healthier coping mechanisms, improve self-esteem, and build stronger interpersonal relationships. In addition, therapy may involve the use of cognitive-behavioral techniques to change maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors related to porn use.

Is it possible to fully recover from porn addiction?

Yes, recovery from porn addiction is possible with the right support and treatment. It may involve a combination of therapy, support groups, and self-help strategies. Recovery is a gradual process that requires commitment and ongoing effort, but many individuals can successfully overcome their addiction and regain control over their lives.

What resources are available for someone struggling with porn addiction?

Resources for individuals struggling with porn addiction include professional therapy, support groups (such as Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous), self-help books, and online forums where individuals can share their experiences and receive support from others facing similar challenges. Seeking help from a mental health professional experienced in treating porn addiction can provide tailored guidance and support for the individual’s unique situation.

What is trauma therapy, and how can it help someone who has experienced trauma?

rauma therapy involves various therapeutic approaches and techniques to help individuals understand and process their traumatic experiences, reduce symptoms associated with trauma, and develop healthy coping strategies to foster healing and personal growth.

How do I know if I need trauma therapy?

If you have experienced a traumatic event and are struggling with symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, anxiety, depression, or difficulties in your relationships, you may benefit from trauma therapy. A mental health professional can assess your situation and help determine if trauma therapy is appropriate for you.

What can I expect in a trauma therapy session?

In a trauma therapy session, you can expect to work closely with your therapist to explore your traumatic experiences and related emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. The therapist will help you develop coping strategies, improve your emotional regulation, and foster a sense of safety and stability. Techniques used in trauma therapy may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and exposure therapy, among others.

How long does trauma therapy take, and when can I expect to see results?

The duration of trauma therapy varies depending on the individual’s needs, the severity of the trauma, and the specific therapeutic approach used. Some people may experience significant improvements within a few sessions, while others may require ongoing support for an extended period. It’s important to remember that healing from trauma is a gradual process, and progress may vary from person to person.

Can trauma therapy help with other mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety?

Yes, trauma therapy can often help with other mental health issues that may be related to or exacerbated by the traumatic experiences. By addressing the underlying trauma, individuals can experience improvements in their overall mental health, including reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other related issues.

You can overcome what’s holding you back and move forward with a life you love. And we’re here to help.  

Our therapists in Fort Worth, Texas can help you get to the root of your problem and provide the support, insights, and tools you need to achieve the changes you want. So you can heal and build a healthier future.

Schedule your free 15-minute consultation call.