FAQ | Psychotherapy Associates of Winchester

Frequently Asked Questions

Is therapy right for me?

Seeking therapy is a personal decision, and people choose to begin this journey for many reasons. Some come to address long-standing psychological concerns or challenges with anxiety and depression. Others seek support in navigating unexpected life changes such as divorce, loss, or transitions in work or school. Many turn to counseling as part of their own process of self-exploration and personal growth.

Working with a therapist can offer insight, support, and practical strategies for a wide range of life challenges. Therapy can help with issues such as depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body image, and major life transitions. It is valuable for anyone who wishes to make the most of life by taking responsibility, fostering self-awareness, and working toward meaningful change.

At PAW, we are here to support individuals and families through the many challenges that arise across the lifespan—from early childhood through older adulthood.

Do I really need therapy?

Everyone encounters challenges in life. While you may have successfully navigated difficulties in the past, there are times when reaching out for additional support can make a meaningful difference. Therapy is not a sign of weakness—it reflects self-awareness and the courage to seek growth. Recognizing that you need a helping hand and taking responsibility for where you are in life is something to be admired.

Therapy offers lasting benefits by providing the insight and tools needed to manage triggers, break harmful patterns, and face life’s challenges with resilience and clarity.

How can therapy help ?

Participating in psychotherapy offers a wide range of benefits. Therapists provide support, problem-solving skills, and effective coping strategies for challenges such as depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image concerns, and creative blocks. Many people also find that counseling can be an invaluable resource for personal growth, improving interpersonal relationships, addressing family or marital concerns, and managing the everyday stresses of life.

A therapist can offer a fresh perspective on difficult problems and help guide you toward meaningful solutions. Ultimately, the benefits you gain from therapy depend on your commitment to the process and your willingness to apply what you learn in your daily life.

Some of the potential benefits of therapy include:

Improving family communication and functioning
Gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, your goals, and your values
Developing skills to enhance relationships
Finding resolution to the issues that led you to seek therapy
Learning healthy ways to manage stress and anxiety
Managing emotions such as anger, grief, and depression
Strengthening communication and listening skills
Replacing unhelpful behavior patterns with more effective ones
Discovering new ways to solve problems within your family or marriage
Enhancing self-esteem and building self-confidence for yourself or your child
Supporting children’s social, emotional, behavioral, and learning development
Using the safety of the therapeutic relationship to practice trust, connection, and the release of shame

What is therapy like?

Every therapy session is unique and tailored to the individual and their specific goals. For adults, therapy sessions typically focus on discussing the primary issues and concerns present in your life. When working with children, play therapy provides a developmentally appropriate way for them to express thoughts and emotions that may be too complex to communicate through words.

Therapy is often scheduled as a series of weekly sessions, each lasting approximately fifty minutes. It can be short-term, addressing a specific concern, or longer-term, exploring deeper patterns and promoting ongoing personal growth. At times, your therapist may suggest activities to complete between sessions—such as reading relevant materials, practicing new skills, or tracking certain behaviors—to help you integrate insights into your daily life.

For therapy to be most effective, active participation is essential—both during and between sessions. Individuals who seek psychotherapy demonstrate a willingness to take responsibility for their actions, work toward personal change, and cultivate greater self-awareness.

In therapy, you can expect:

Compassion, respect, and understanding
Insightful perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and emotions
Practical strategies for creating meaningful, positive change
Evidence-based techniques supported by professional guidance

Is medication a substitute for therapy?

In some cases, a combination of medication and therapy may be the most effective course of treatment. By working collaboratively with your medical doctor, we can help determine the approach that best meets your needs. When appropriate, we may recommend a consultation for medication, particularly when it appears likely to enhance your overall progress.

While medication can be helpful in alleviating symptoms, it is well established that lasting relief from mental and emotional distress cannot be achieved through medication alone. Therapy goes beyond symptom management by addressing the underlying causes of distress and the behavioral patterns that may hinder personal growth.

Sustainable progress and a deeper sense of well-being are best achieved through an integrative approach—one that combines medical and therapeutic support to foster healing and long-term wellness.

Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?

Some PAW clinicians accept certain insurance plans. To determine whether you have mental health coverage, the first step is to contact your insurance provider directly. It’s important to review your plan carefully and clarify the details of your mental health benefits. You may want to ask the following questions:

What are my mental health benefits?
What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
How many therapy sessions are included in my plan?
What portion of the fee does my insurance cover for an out-of-network provider?
Is prior approval required from my primary care physician?

Is therapy confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client. See privacy policy for more informations.

However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:

Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person, the therapist is required to notify the police.
If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.