Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In 1995, Consumer Reports conducted a study examining the efficacy of therapy. Of the 4,000 therapy clients who responded, nearly 90% reported that they were managing life better after getting help. Those individuals who reported the most discomfort and upset at the beginning of treatment reported the most improvement from psychotherapy.

Some of those surveyed were treated with both psychotherapy and medications such as antidepressants, etc., whereas others were treated with medication alone or “talk” therapy alone. Interestingly, the therapy only group reported just as much improvement as the medication only group. In addition, this study found that therapy which lasted more than six months was significantly more effective than shorter-term therapies. Clients whose treatments were limited by insurance company policies had worse outcomes than those who did not have such limitations.

Statistics aside, nearly one hundred years of experiential evidence has been gathered regarding the efficacy of psychotherapy. Mental health professionals have documented case after case in which mental and emotional distresses were successfully overcome, broken relationships were repaired and the general quality of life vastly improved. These statements are not as easy to prove through strictly statistical means, although much empirical research has been conducted that does support the efficacy of psychotherapy. (This is why more and more insurance companies are increasingly covering mental health treatment these days.) That said, although the majority of therapy clients report significant benefits from treatment, therapy is not for everyone.

In the spirit of scientific investigation, the only way to genuinely evaluate the efficacy of therapy may simply be to keep an open mind, try a few sessions and see for yourself.

As psychological needs, wants and capacities vary among individuals, there is no easy answer to this question. In general, however, short-term therapy is typically best-suited to individuals who have very specific goals and needs, such as overcoming a certain phobia, adjusting to a recent career change or giving up unwanted habits such as smoking, overeating, etc. The duration of this treatment tends to be anywhere from six weeks to three months, during which the therapist may be relatively directive, often employing cognitive-behavioral techniques, working with the client to cultivate more conscious, goal-oriented patterns and behaviors.

In contrast, long-term therapies tend to be less structured in approach, and last three months or more. Although specific goals and behaviors are targeted, long-term psychotherapy takes the time to go deeper and understand the origins of unwanted feelings and behaviors. This approach can alleviate acute emotional issues, but long-term therapy is also particularly well-suited to addressing more subtle emotional issues, such as pervasive feelings of dissatisfaction or emptiness, a lack of passion for one’s daily life or stagnation within one’s intimate relationships. Psychodynamic psychotherapy works well within the long-term context, encouraging the patient to explore many aspects of her personality, uprooting self-defeating beliefs and limiting behavioral patterns.

Although it is a good idea to have a basic understanding of short- versus long-term psychotherapy, you need not make this decision yourself. In the first few sessions, the therapist will work with you to better understand your goals and basic personality structure and will suggest a plan of treatment.

There are no ready-made answers for this question, as individuals differ widely in their psychological wants and needs, financial resources and overall personality structures. Among the various treatment options, however, a common meeting format involves once or twice-weekly visits for 50 minute sessions.

Although coming less frequently (some clients come every other week, for example) can still be effective, the regular weekly meeting schedule allows for a real momentum of change to be established, as well as fostering a more dynamic and intimate relationship between the therapist and client.

The earliest signs of progress in therapy often manifest as increasing awareness of the various ways in which one is “stuck.”  Relatively early in treatment, the client may begin to recognize self-defeating patterns or habits of thinking, feeling and behaving without necessarily being able to change them immediately. Later, after watching these habits at work and discussing with the therapist the causes and effects of these habits, the individual is able to make concrete changes and let go of old patterns. As this self-actualization process deepens, the client begins to feel more natural, spontaneous and at ease in all areas of life. Genuine emotions come more freely and relationships deepen. Old patterns of worrying and obsessing become much less disruptive.

Along the way, however, there are likely to be difficult times in treatment, and it is not uncommon for the client to experience occasional periods of increased confusion or anxiety—at times possibly feeling angry with, resentful toward, or distrustful of the therapist. Ironically, although such times may be difficult, they can also be some of the most encouraging signs of therapeutic progress and real-life change. If you at times feel frustrated with the therapy process, openly discuss these feelings with your therapist as he/she is trained to use these doubts as powerful treatment tools rather than distracting obstacles.

It is common for therapy clients to be concerned regarding significant differences in his or her background and that of the therapist. The client may feel, for instance, that he or she maintains a strong belief in religion, philosophy, etc., that is not shared by the therapist. Similarly, differences in age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity and overall life stage, can cause the client to wonder how the therapist could possibly relate to him or her. A trained therapist usually works with all kinds of individuals from widely varying backgrounds. The sharing of specific beliefs or circumstances is not nearly so important as an understanding of how those background factors directly and indirectly impact the happiness and satisfaction of the client. At the same time, the therapist strives to understand the unique “worldview” of each client, and is sensitive to the enormous influence of culture and related life factors and experiences.

The therapist, it could be said, functions as a kind of mirror. Rather than working to “fix” the client by directly steering him or her toward the “right” belief or behavior, a good therapist simply reflects the obstacles that client is encountering from some new perspective. The client is the only absolute authority when it comes to his or her own life. Although the therapist may offer opinions and viewpoints from time to time, it is always up to the client to decide what is truly best for him or her.

A common misconception regarding psychotherapy is the fear of losing one’s independence and autonomy. This fear stems from the mistaken notion that the therapist somehow takes over the client, making important life decisions for him or her, telling him or her how to feel, and so on. The role of the therapist is more that of an expert consultant than it is an authoritative boss.

The therapist helps the client to find the confidence to function more and more independently and confidently in all aspects of life. To see the ways in which the individual may feel unnecessarily dependent on others, including the therapist at times, is sometimes a goal of psychotherapy.

At the same time, it is common for the client to re-experience some early aspect of childhood parental relationships within the context of therapy. In psychodynamic psychotherapy, for example, this process is extremely helpful in resolving early conflicts with parents and other authority figures. Openly discussing concerns you have about becoming overly attached to the therapist is the best, most direct way to resolve misgivings.

Negative feelings toward the therapist are common at times during treatment, and may even be essential to make certain types of positive changes. In psychodynamic psychotherapy, the client’s early conflicts with his or her parents are explored and, to some degree, re-experienced with the therapist. For example, an individual with a distant father might interpret the therapist beginning the session a few minutes late one day as a personal rejection. Similarly, a client with an overly critical mother is likely to interpret certain therapist comments as harsh or judgmental. Both of these examples would likely result in the client feeling anger toward the therapist.

In the safe environment of therapy, the client is encouraged to fully experience and accept his or her negative feelings arising toward the therapist as a result of re-encountering old family conflicts. Helping the client to experience and examine these feelings is simply part of the “job description” of being a therapist. Such client feelings are neither “rude” nor unfair. Rather, as the client begins to feel negatively toward the therapist, he can examine the ways in which he attempts to avoid, ignore or displace these feelings. Recognizing the underlying patterns that were unknowingly adopted in childhood helps the client to understand them from a more mature perspective and make constructive, conscious changes.

This is an extremely common client reaction to the therapy process. In many ways, the therapist is a kind of stunt double for the client’s past and current relationships—romantic ones included. As the client develops a close bond with the therapist, sexual or romantic feelings sometimes arise. Much as is the case with negative feelings toward the therapist, the client’s sexual feelings toward the therapist can be adaptively utilized to further the treatment process. The client should feel free to discuss such feelings openly, as the therapist realizes they are not to be taken “personally,” but rather as a displacement of unresolved relationship issues.

It should be emphasized that, although it is appropriate for a client to discuss his or her sexual feelings toward the therapist, the therapist should not indicate a reciprocation of such feelings in any way. In helping the client explore his or her sexual feelings within this safe context, the therapist provides a kind of relationship “laboratory” in which the client can observe, experiment with, and re-assess his or her unresolved interpersonal issues.

Dallas Whole Life Counseling offer both in-network and out-of-network counseling. Our clinical psychologists, therapists and coaches are in-network providers for many common Texas insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and United Health. For more information regarding the insurance we currently accept, check out our Insurance and Rates page.

Dallas Whole Life Counseling employs both licensed psychologists (LPs) and licensed professional counselors (LPCs). Both are trained to offer specialized counseling in a number of areas for individuals, couples, and families. While both professions are trained to deal with mental health issues, a clinical psychologist pursues a different academic path than a counselor.

Clinical psychologists receive a doctorate degree, which generally requires about six to seven years of education following a four-year bachelor’s undergraduate degree. They are designated as a “doctor,” and are typically trained in research and testing as well as offering therapy. Psychologists study behavior, cognitive and emotional processes, while evaluating, diagnosing, and treating various mental health issues and concerns.

Licensed Professional Counselors (or LPCs) receive a master’s degree, which generally requires three to four years of education following a four-year bachelor’s undergraduate degree. Unlike clinical psychologists, the training for these licensed mental health professionals focuses more specifically on counseling, rather than research and testing. Like psychologists, counselors also provide psychotherapy, as well as diagnose and treat a wide range of issues.

Neither psychologists nor counselors prescribe medication. However, all of our therapists at Dallas Whole Life Counseling are trained to closely coordinate treatment with specialized psychiatrists when appropriate, providing a comprehensive, multi-layered team approach.

The “Whole Life” Approach

In most cases, it is less important that you meet specifically with a psychologist versus a counselor. Instead, it’s more essential that you are matched with a therapist specializing in treating your specific issues and circumstances. This is why we offer a “whole life” approach to treatment, offering therapy and coaching customized to the individual needs and wants of our clients.

Virtual counseling is no different than in-person counseling. You just get the convenience of meeting with your therapist in the comfort of your own home or business. No traffic. No waiting rooms.

Although sometimes used interchangeably, there are important differences between these types of mental and emotional health providers. Psychologists, therapists and counselors all treat mental, emotional, and behavioral health, and they have advanced degrees, hours of training, and a license to practice.

Psychologists

A psychologist has a doctoral degree (such as a PhD or a PsyD). Typically, a psychologist’s training goes deeper into the science, theory and practice of psychology and human behavior. More severe mental illnesses such as psychosis or personality disorders typically require a psychologist for treatment.

Counselors

Counselors are licensed emotional and mental healthcare providers. They often have post-graduate degrees and specific titles and qualifications like Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Although they can treat a wide-range of issues, counselors often have specialize in specific areas, such as marriage, sex addiction or grief.

Therapists

Therapist is a broad term used for any clinician who treats mental and emotional health issues. It is often used as an umbrella or a synonym for these other terms. For example, most therapists will have a master’s degree, but a psychologist with a doctorate degree can also be referred to as a therapist.

Coaches

A coach is a general term used by a professional who helps clients grow as a person and accomplishing specific goals, such as career advancement, weight loss, or being more mindful. Coaches do not generally treat mental health disorders, although counselors, therapists and psychologists can offer coaching services.