What services are right for me?

Topics:

• Therapy

• Decision Making

• Professional Help

If you have addressed the questions in the article “Do I Need Therapy?” and the answer is a resounding “YES!”, the next step is determining the best specific therapy services. Here are a few additional questions to help you identify the right resource. 

What is the specific problem? In many cases, we are aware of a problem, but may have a vague understanding of where the imbalance is.  Individuals often say I feel 'off', ‘down’, or 'out-of-balance'. Even a diagnosis such as ‘Depression' is a broad umbrella.  Couples commonly indicate 'communication problems’ or that they are ‘struggling with their sex life’.  The more specific you can get in identifying the problem(s), the better when determining the best resources. 

Is the sexuality issue the needed focus? In many cases, the sexual problem is a symptom of an underlying struggle.  In some cases, a primary focus on the deeper issues helps resolve the sexuality problem. Other times, the sexuality problem is the main focus and needs the majority of our time and energy.  Sometimes, both need to be equally addressed. 

Do my problems require a sex therapist?  For some, a support person to talk to may be enough; for others, more resources and solutions are needed. You may need sex education, coaching, suggestions, or professional resources to deal with sexuality issues more comprehensively.  Some therapists have a degree of knowledge about sexuality training and/or are sex positive, but few have the training of a certified sex therapist.  

Should I start with Individual, couples, or group work? Individual work may come first as a degree of self-awareness and the ability to manage emotions are prerequisites for couples and sex therapy. However, starting where the pain is may be the best choice, as the biggest struggle is often in the relationship.

So there you have it—some homework for you. I would love to have every client thoughtfully consider the questions above before coming in for therapy. While therapists are motivated to assist everyone, therapy is more effective at the right time and for the right issue. When this happens, the therapy process is like a symphony—well, at least a decent jazz band.