Why Work on Yourself?
Starting therapy or coaching is a big step and something that a lot of people find intimidating. While it can be scary, it can also be the key to a more fulfilled and satisfying life.
It’s normal to have many questions about the process. Here are some questions frequently asked about therapy and coaching…
Frequently Asked Questions
Why try this?
It works. Working with a qualified therapist or coach can help you refocus your priorities and provide clarity. It can help provide support while you make changes and set boundaries so that you can have more control in your life. You have the chance to sit down and identify patterns and behaviors that aren’t working in your life. You will learn new skills and build a relationship to support you through the difficult transitions in life.
The results of this work can be lasting and maintained so true change is possible.
What is therapy?
Therapy, or psychotherapy, involves a process of consistent and regular sessions with a licensed mental health provider (LMHP) for the purpose of resolving past trauma, changing behaviors that are no longer working, and processing things that have been road blocks. Therapy provides a safe and confidential space to process whatever might be interfering with your life. Therapy focuses on feelings, thoughts, beliefs, patterns, values, attitudes, and relationships.
Individual therapy is when a person meets one-on-one with the therapist, a family session happens when multiple members of a family meet with the therapist, a couples session is where a couple (this could be a married couple, a couple dating or living together, a divorced couple, a mother-daughter pair, or some other combination meet with the therapist, or a group where several individuals meet together with one or more therapists. It’s possible for a person to engage in more than one type of therapy.
In our opinion, the most important part of therapy is the relationship between the client and the therapist. It’s very important that you trust and respect your therapist and know that the therapist is being truthful and showing respect for your needs. You might not always like your therapist because sometimes your therapist may point out some difficult things. But there should always be an underlying presence of trust and respect.
Is therapy confidential?
In nearly every case, the confidentiality and privacy of each client is protected by state and federal law. Therapists are generally required to obtain your written permission to disclose information about you. Certain exceptions involve information required by health insurance companies, or if there are times when we are concerned about your safety or the safety of others. More information and details are provided in our Privacy Policy.
What is the difference between psychotherapy and coaching?
While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are a few important but subtle distinctions.
We tend to think of psychotherapy (or therapy), as a potentially long-term relationship where a person can look at past traumas, pain, and long-standing patterns and dynamics that might be replaying and keeping a person stuck. Only licensed mental health providers with a Master’s degree or higher (like the therapists at Omaha Psychotherapy) can provide therapy services.
Coaching typically focuses on helping a person or couple move forward. Coaching involves looking at future goals, creating a strategy and working on developing specific tools. Coaching allows for more flexibility and doesn’t require a person to have a mental health diagnosis. Coaching helps people examine their internal beliefs and the resistance that gets in the way.
Omaha Psychotherapy offers therapy and coaching. Both are useful and often people do both.
What do the letters after your names mean?
There are many educational paths and professional programs that can prepare someone to become a therapist or coach, so it’s not uncommon to see a variety of letters behind someone’s name.
You’ll find a variety of letters after our names, including LIMHP, LMHP, LICSW, and CGP. LICSW stands for Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. Clinical social workers have earned Master’s degrees in social work from an accredited university and then completed many hours of supervised clinical training along with a comprehensive state licensing test.
As an LICSW, a clinician is licensed to provide individual, couples, family, and group psychotherapy and counseling, to diagnose and treat mental health issues, and to bill insurance companies for services.
LMHP is a license specific to Nebraska which stands for Licensed Independent Mental Health Provider. This license is renewed every two years. As an LMHP, a therapist is qualified to provide individual, couples, family, and group psychotherapy, to diagnose and treat mental health issues, and to bill insurance.
PLMHP means that a therapist is provisionally licensed. This usually means that the therapist recently finished a masters program and is accumulating the supervised hours required to become fully licensed. PLMHP providers work under the supervision of fully licensed therapists.
The letters can be confusing. If you have questions about licenses or credentials, please ask!
What can’t therapists do?
We can’t prescribe medication. We do work with several qualified psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners who can prescribe medication, and we often collaborate and refer clients. It’s possible for someone to see us for therapy or coaching and to also work with another provider for medication.
While we have experience working with many issues and problems, we also know our limitations. We have several strong relationships with other providers and healers and refer to each other often. If we think you might be a better fit with another person, or if we don’t have experience with your area of concern, we’ll let you know and will provide a prompt referral.
How long does this last?
There’s no cookie cutter approach to therapy or coaching. Typically, each session lasts about an hour and most people find it most helpful to meet once a week. We believe that in order for real and lasting changes to occur and for that change to sustain, it’s helpful to commit to participating in at least six months of consistent sessions. This varies from person to person. Sometimes people can accomplish a great deal in a short time, and other people find it helpful to continue for a few years. During your first session we will discuss your goals and determine a plan for your treatment including estimating the length of treatment.
How much does this cost?
Each provider at Omaha Psychotherapy sets their own rates and fees. Some people choose to pay out of pocket, and others choose to use health insurance benefits. Because coaches do not diagnose people with mental health disorders, health insurance does not pay for coaching. Therapists at Omaha Psychotherapy are on a variety of health insurance panels and are also out-of-network providers for some other insurance companies. You may be responsible for a co-payment, co-insurance, and/or deductible. We encourage everyone to contact their insurance company to learn about benefits before our first session.
We also accept private payment if you do not wish to use insurance. If you choose to pay privately, we are not required to report any information to your insurance company or employer. We accept cash, checks, all major credit cards and Health Savings Account plans. We take payment for each session at the time of your session.
Therapy and coaching is expensive, but it’s worth it. Investing in yourself is the best investment you can make.