Porta Verum Psychotherapy Services

Getting connected with the right kind of therapy modality and the right therapist can be really confusing. Many people have the frustrating experience of starting with a therapist only to discover that they actually are not the right fit for the problem they are experiencing.

Unfortunately, precious time and money is wasted going in the wrong direction, not to mention that the symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress or trauma are not getting better, and people continue to suffer.

Our intention here at Porta Verum Psychotherapy Services is to match our clients with a therapist who is the right fit for them which means that their speciality and experience matches the presenting problem, and that the therapy modality is suited to effectively resolve the issue.

For example, if you are having trouble in your relationship, going to individual counseling may not be the best way to solve the issue as the problem lies within the dynamics, patterns and ways of communicating between two people. In this case, couple’s counseling would be recommended.

Not only that, but within the realm of couple’s counseling, there are many different methods which also need to be considered.

Some couples resonate with “just give us the tools and strategies how to handle situations and we will take it from there”, and others need more of an in-depth orientation of understanding their own emotions, reactions and where they stem from.

One approach is not better than the other, they are just different.

Without treatment, mental health conditions can result in:

Problems with concentration, memory, or ability to think clearly
Loss of appetite or overeating
Not being able to complete school or work tasks
Social isolation and withdrawal, leading to loneliness
Feeling overly worried, and easily overwhelmed
Feeling sad, empty, hopeless, or worthless
Sensitivity to sounds, sight, smell, or touch
Irritability and restlessness
Loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy
Feeling tired all the time
Poor sleep or sleeping too much
Excessive drinking or substance use

Psychotherapy gives you the opportunity to:

Manage life stressors better and come up with solutions to problems that previously may have felt unresolvable
Feel more connected to people and get along better with people you love resulting in harmonious relationships, less conflict, fighting and arguing
Function better at work or school
Improve focus and be able to be present reading a book or when having a conversation
Improved energy and sleep
Feeling better about yourself, and have a more positive outlook on your life, future and other people
Decreased anxiety, depression and trauma symptoms
More freedom to go out and engage in wonderful experiences what life has to offer
Develop healthier habits such as eating better, have a daily routine, engage in regular exercise and consume less alcohol and other substances

Our therapists have a variety of backgrounds and experience levels which means we are very likely to be able to support you in your healing.

We understand that there are many questions when people are considering starting therapy such as

Is therapy for me or can I do it by myself?
What is the right therapy modality?
How do I find a therapist who is the best fit for me?
Can I afford it?
Do I have the time?
Will it work for me or make things worse?
Is right now a good time to start?

While only you can discover the answers to these questions, we can give you some guidance so you can at least take some action. When we take action, we get clearer on things, feel less stuck and powerless.

First of all we want you to know that you are not alone!

Did you know that one in five American adults will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year! That’s 20% of all Americans. The rate of depression in teens and children are on the rise as is severe mental health conditions with suicidal ideation or attempts.

The sad part as a therapist who witnesses people getting better all the time, is that, on average, it takes people 10 years from the onset of symptoms to seek professional help! 10 years!

Many people also are not aware of the early signs of their mental health declining thus they don’t seek care because they think they don’t need it or believe they can handle the problem on their own.

In one key NIMH study, nearly 45% of participants with diagnosable mental health disorder did not perceive the need for treatment. 72% of those had desire to handle the problem on their own, and 55% of people who did feel the need for mental health services did not actually end up seeking help.

It is because of these numbers, I am saying you are not alone! And you are just like most people who are wondering whether they need or should start therapy.

Unfortunately, once you do decide to move forward, then you have to deal with figuring out the insurance system, not to mention finding the right therapist who takes your insurance AND has availability.

It is at this point many people give up as the system feels too overwhelming and confusing to navigate successfully.

Mental health is very much like your physical health; If you leave your high blood pressure untreated, it may not go away on its own, and will begin to negatively impact other areas of your health as well.

In psychotherapy as in life, there are no magic pills to take that make you immediately feel better. Any healing, rehabilitation and recovery will require commitment, focus and effort.

Psychotherapy can be extremely challenging as we face our fears and work through old hurtful wounds, traumas, and let go of our unhealthy habits.

The things in life that are hard also create the greatest value for us!

As a result of these changes, people typically experience increased sense of happiness and wellbeing, improved job performance and satisfaction, improved overall health, and FINALLY being able to start working towards life dreams, goals and projects that previously felt long lost…