Chicvara & Associates

What is therapy?

Unfortunately, many films and television shows give us ideas of therapy that are not quite similar to what the experience is like for most individuals.  Many people express they felt intimidated or embarrassed to try therapy for some time before they actually scheduled their first appointment.  They often attribute this to wondering if they would feel too vulnerable because the doctor would “analyze” them and know things they did not wish to share immediately; some wondered if they would have to lie down on a couch which would make them feel uncomfortable; and others felt they were unsure about what they would say, or if their issues were significant enough to warrant therapy.

 

Therapy is best described as a collaborative relationship between the psychologist and patient where the patient has control over what will be discussed.  At Chicvara & Associates, our goal is to create a safe and supportive place where, together, we can examine your life challenges constructively and with confidence, freeing you to enjoy the good things life has to offer.  With compassion and understanding, we aim to work with you to build on your own strengths and attain the goals you are committed to achieving.  The patient retains power in the relationship, as it is up to the patient what he or she wants to reveal or discuss with their doctor.  Psychologists are certainly not mind-readers!

 

The office setting is made to be a relaxing place, and the patient can choose to sit where ever they please.  Some offices do have a couch, but it is up to the patient if he or she would like to sit there, and certainly it is never required that a patient lie down for their session.  

 

Many people wonder if what they are dealing with is suitable for therapy.  While there is no line for what does or does not warrant treatment, we usually see people when they feel stuck on how to resolve something, or feel that what they have tried on their own is not working.  Because we work in a collaborative setting, we respect every person’s value system, and can assist in sorting out thoughts and feelings to work through any issues.