Tarah Galloway

1. What is psychotherapy and how do you work with clients? 

 

Psychotherapy helps people live happier, healthier, and more productive lives. It's a collaborative relationship in which I'll help you learn to identify negative thoughts and beliefs about yourself, and change patterns of behavior that are keeping you stuck. I'll address your personal struggles in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

 

Sometimes we'll use different techniques like EMDR or art therapy to get better results.  This of course depends on you and your current issues.  

 

A large majority of the time, I find it necessary to reflect on childhood and discover different beliefs you may have acquired at a young age. We also might examine emotional wounds you experienced as a child. I know for a fact that our past affects our present functioning. If you finding daily living to be challenging or have difficulty accomplishing your goals, then your past is most likely interfering with the present.

 

I'll never force you to discuss something that you're not comfortable with. I'll meet you where you're at, and work at a pace that is comfortable for you.

 

2. I see you're an art therapist, are you trained in talk therapy too?

 

Absolutely! I'm trained as both a professional counselor and an art therapist. Even if we are using art therapy, we're still going to use words and discuss different insights you might have, or behavior patterns that you noticed while creating art. 

 

A large part of the time I actually don't incorporate art therapy simply because it's not a good fit for the client at that time. If that happens, most of our sessions would be spent talking or engaging in a different treatment modality.

 

3. Will you tell me what to do?

 

I'm here to help you become empowered to make decisions that best serve you. I'll offer advice when you're interested in it, but I absolutely would never tell you what you should be doing. As far as I'm concerned, you're the expert on your life. 

 

4. Does psychotherapy work, and can you guarantee results?

 

There is quite a bit of research to support the effectiveness of psychotherapy. Consumer reports conducted a study and determined this: 1) clients benefit very substantially from psychotherapy and 2) longer-term treatment is significantly more effective than short-term treatment.

 

Research shows that it works. Additionally, I consistently see progress in the clients I work with. There are a lot of variables though. The degree to which psychotherapy works largely depends on the strength of the client/therapist relationship, and his or her willingness to make significant changes.

 

Quite simply, it works only if you put in the work.

 

While I cannot 100% guarantee that you'll feel better, I can say that my clients who were dedicated to the process received substantial symptom reduction and relief. Those same dedicated clients experienced significant improvement in daily functioning, improved mood, and have better and more meaningful relationships.

 

I promise to work tirelessly to get you the results you're looking for, but in return I need you to work just as hard. In order to make sure I'm meeting your needs, I'll ask for feedback along the way.

 

5. Are you accepting new clients? 

 

It depends. Usually yes, but contact me to find out because that can change quickly!

 

If my schedule allows, I work with new clients that I feel are a good fit for my skill set and personality. I'll be better able to assess if we're a good match after we speak on the phone. The best predictor of success is the strength of the therapeutic relationship.

 

On the free consultation phone call, we can see if there is a good connection and also if I'm the best person to help you reach your goals. I won't be the best match for every client that reaches out. I promise it isn't personal. We can't connect with everyone, even if we really want to. I'm committed to providing you with the absolute best service and care, and the only way I can do that is if there's a potential to build a strong relationship.

 

6. I'm interested. What's the next step? 

 

If you think you'd like to work with me, or you'd like me to work with your child, please click here for my online scheduler to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. I currently offer free phone consultation appointments Monday-Wednesday from 1-2pm. If that time can't work for you please call or email to see if we can arrange a different time. 

 

If you're requesting services for your teenager, I encourage you to schedule a time when I can speak with both of you. It's extremely important that your teen feels a connection with me and vice versa. 

 

I look forward to speaking with you!