What to Expect From Anxiety Therapy in San Francisco
Aww, San Francisco, with its beautiful bay views and multitude of therapists, counselors, healers, and coaches. It can be hard to know who to turn to for help with your anxiety in San Francisco. And while there are certainly a ton of options, it can be confusing as to who the best fit would be to help you cope with ongoing anxiety. You may have lots of questions and that is great. . .the more questions you ask, the better able you are to determine if a therapist is right for you.
Anxiety Therapy in San Francisco
I understand how scary and daunting it is to say you need help with your anxiety and that you want to heal. Once you have decided to enlist someone to help you with your anxiety, a therapist may be a good choice for the following reasons: 1) they have a great deal of education and training on treating anxiety and other mental health concerns 2) they are licensed and there is a great deal of transparency and accountability around that licensure 3) they are required, by law, to keep your information and treatment confidential with very few exceptions and 4) most therapists will offer a brief consultation to help you determine if they would be a good person to treat you.
What to expect from your first consultation with an anxiety therapist in San Francisco
When you have your initial consultation with a therapist, they will ask questions to try and find out how to best help you. In an initial consultation, I try to find out if I would be a good therapist for this potential client. I allow space for the potential client to ask questions and explain how I work—what kind of therapy I do, how I approach treating anxiety, and also if our schedules and pricing are a match.
What to expect in the first session with an anxiety therapist in San Francisco
A beginning session with a therapist is often a get to know you session. In a first session with me, I gather more information about you and what you need, your goals for therapy (aka how you would like see your life change), and what your life looks like day-to-day. I find out what your anxiety looks like in your life and how it limits you. I also explain how therapy and confidentiality work.
How long does someone work with an anxiety therapist in San Francisco
Many therapists work in different ways to treat anxiety. I work weekly with my clients in 45 minute sessions. I find out what coping skills you are using for anxiety (both healthy and unhealthy) and how to help you manage when your anxiety seems out-of-control and is taking over your life. Also, I work on helping you find out where your anxiety stems from and seeing if we can address that. The timeline for therapy can vary from client to client and depends on what specific needs you wish to address, how willing you are to be open and honest with yourself and your therapist, and what your goals are. I re-assess with clients on a monthly basis to make sure we are on track to meet your therapeutic goals.
I hope this helps you find the right anxiety therapist for you in San Francisco. If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to call me at (4150 212-8780 for a free 15 minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for help with anxiety and trauma, you can read more about how I can help here.