Most Commonly Asked Questions
About Our Services

Although there are no guaranteed outcomes of psychotherapy, there are some commonly identified benefits of participating in both short and long-term therapy. The type of problem usually determines potential benefits and concerns a client presents with, the type of treatment goals identified, and the degree of motivation and follow-through a client possesses in his or her treatment. Below is a list of potential benefits; however, it is not inclusive of every potential benefit:

• Improvement in general mood
• Increase self-esteem and confidence
• Increased ability to manage stress more effectively
• Increased ability to set and achieve realistic goals
• Increased ability to manage strong emotional reactions and feelings
• Increased ability to manage strong emotional reactions and feelings
• Increased ability to trust, feel close to, and communicate your feelings, thoughts, and needs more open to others.
• Increased ability to stop engaging in destructive or ineffective behaviors and replace them with healthy behaviors.
• Improvement in decision making

Like all treatment modalities, there are potential risks to therapy. Changing beliefs or behavior can be daunting and sometimes disruptive to established relationships. Participating in therapy may involve some discomfort, including remembering and discussing unpleasant events, feelings, and experiences. The process may evoke strong feelings of sadness, anger, fear, etc.

Sometimes, therapy will challenge clients' perceptions and assumptions and offer different perspectives. The issues presented may result in unintended outcomes, including changes in personal relationships however, the client should be aware that any decision on the status of his/her relationships is the client's responsibility.

During the therapeutic process, clients may feel worse before they feel better, which is generally a normal course of events. Personal growth and change may be easy and quick at times but may also be slow and frustrating. It is essential to carefully evaluate whether these risks are worth the benefits of changing. Below are potential risks however, they are not inclusive of all risks:

• Lack of improvement or lack of progress towards treatment goals
• Feelings or symptoms may worsen at the beginning of therapy, which are usually temporary.
• Relationships with others may be impacted
• Development of feelings for the therapist due to a trusting relationship however, it is never appropriate for the therapist-client relationship to become social, romantic, emotional, or sexual. If a client develops feelings for the therapist, the therapist will discuss whether finding another therapist may be more appropriate for continuing therapy.
• Distress when therapy terminates

Clients are strongly encouraged to discuss any fears, concerns, or doubts about his/her progress with his/her therapist, including specific risks and benefits not listed that may be associated with their situation.

Therapy may be offered via telehealth if deemed appropriate for the client, which means therapy is provided through real-time telephone or video sessions. Stepping Stones Therapy Center LLC uses HIPPA -Complaint platforms and uses best practices.

Benefits of telehealth

• Convenience
• Scheduling/timeliness
• Access

Risk of telehealth

• Lack of research to determine outcomes
• Lack of security
• Lack of confidentiality
• Technology failure