common questions
How do I know if I/my child/my partner and I need therapy?
I firmly believe that therapy is successful when:
1. There is a readiness to engage in the process (not because it will be easy but because it's vital), and
2. There is trust and compatibility with the therapist.
You may want to consider the following:
1. Do I want to begin therapy? (Not should I, but do I need to), and
2. Does Alair seem like the best fit for me/my child/my partner and I?
What's your approach to therapy?
There are a lot of different kinds of approaches to therapy, and the models of therapy I use are ones that I believe in deeply, have studied extensively, and practice regularly. You can learn more below based on the kind of therapy you're interested in pursuing
How long does therapy last?
While every therapy process looks different, there are a few factors that can help us understand how long this process might last:
- Your motivation and consistency. From my experience, the clients who see (and feel) progress quickly are the ones who attend sessions regularly, are motivated to be open and transparent with me, and implement suggestions and recommendations in between the times we meet.
- The nature of your struggles. There are a few factors that may slow down the therapy process, namely trauma, addiction and attachment injuries (wounds from relationships, such as affairs, abuse, etc.). These factors require an extra amount of care and support, which may mean that our progress moves at a slower pace.
- How safe you feel with me. I’m guessing that, for most of us, we’re not going to be vulnerable and share with someone we don’t completely trust. As we move along in this process, please feel free to share any feedback or concerns with me about what you need to feel safe and comfortable in therapy.
How do I know when I'm done?
From our very first session, we will be talking about our last session. I don't believe therapy must last forever, nor do I believe that therapy is a quick-fix. Throughout our time together, I will check in with you to see if we are addressing the reasons why you came to see me in the first place, and whether or not you are experiencing growth and change.
As time goes on, you'll need to meet with me less and less often. There will come a point where you may be ready to take a break or stop therapy altogether, because you feel confident in the "new home" we've created. Even then, you can always come back to work with me for any length of time - I'll still be there to walk alongside you.