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	<title>Process of Therapy Archives | Modern MFT</title>
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	<title>Process of Therapy Archives | Modern MFT</title>
	<link>https://www.modernmft.com/category/process-of-therapy/</link>
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		<title>Therapy for Adult Sibling Relationships&#8230;</title>
		<link>https://www.modernmft.com/therapy-for-adult-sibling-relationships/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jennifer Uhrlass]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 20:25:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Communication/ Conflict]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family-of-Origin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nurturing Hope + Resilience]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Process of Therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self-Esteem]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transition to Parenthood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trauma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family of origin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[family therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sibling therapy]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.modernmft.com/?p=6648</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a href="https://www.modernmft.com/therapy-for-adult-sibling-relationships/">Therapy for Adult Sibling Relationships&#8230;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.modernmft.com">Modern MFT</a>.</p>
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			<h3 data-start="4039" data-end="4120"><strong data-start="4043" data-end="4120">Why Adult Sibling Relationships Can Feel So Hard—and How Therapy Can Help</strong></h3>
<p data-start="4122" data-end="4337">Many adults come to therapy feeling confused about how deeply their sibling relationships still affect them. They may say things like, <em data-start="4257" data-end="4303">“We’re adults now—why does this still hurt?”</em> or <em data-start="4307" data-end="4337">“I thought I was past this.”</em></p>
<p data-start="4339" data-end="4542">The truth is, sibling relationships are rarely just about the present moment. They are layered with history, roles, expectations, and emotional memories that formed long before we had language or choice.</p>
<p data-start="4339" data-end="4542"><span id="more-6648"></span></p>
<h4 data-start="4544" data-end="4585">The Invisible Weight of Family Roles</h4>
<p data-start="4587" data-end="4885">Growing up, most of us unconsciously adapted to our family system. You might have become the responsible one, the caretaker, the achiever, the mediator, or the one who stayed quiet to keep the peace. These roles often helped the family function—but they also shaped how you learned to see yourself.</p>
<p data-start="4887" data-end="5080">In adulthood, these patterns can quietly persist. You may notice yourself feeling small, reactive, guilty, or unseen around siblings—even if you’re confident and capable elsewhere in your life.</p>
<h4 data-start="5082" data-end="5130">Why Adult Transitions Reignite Old Dynamics</h4>
<p data-start="5132" data-end="5433">Sibling tensions often intensify during major life transitions: caring for aging parents, dividing responsibilities, navigating grief, or becoming parents ourselves. These moments activate early attachment wounds and can make long-standing inequalities or emotional injuries feel impossible to ignore.</p>
<p data-start="5435" data-end="5581">Strong emotions—anger, sadness, jealousy, grief—are not signs of immaturity. They are signals that something meaningful was never fully processed.</p>
<h4 data-start="5583" data-end="5628">When Distance Feels Safer Than Closeness</h4>
<p data-start="5630" data-end="5818">Some adults cope by pulling away from siblings altogether. Others stay involved but feel chronically resentful or depleted. Both responses are understandable adaptations to emotional pain.</p>
<p data-start="5820" data-end="5873">Therapy helps you slow down and ask deeper questions:</p>
<ul>
<li data-start="5876" data-end="5924">What did I need back then that I didn’t receive?</li>
<li data-start="5876" data-end="5924">How did my role in my family shape my sense of worth?</li>
<li data-start="5876" data-end="5924">What am I still hoping for—and is it realistic?</li>
<li data-start="5876" data-end="5924">What kind of relationship do I want now?</li>
</ul>
<h4 data-start="6075" data-end="6106">How Therapy Creates Change</h4>
<p data-start="6108" data-end="6318"><a href="https://www.modernmft.com/services/family-counseling/adult-siblings/">Sibling-focused therapy</a> provides a space to explore these questions without judgment. It helps you understand how family systems shaped your emotional responses and gives you tools to respond differently today.</p>
<p data-start="6320" data-end="6352">Over time, therapy can help you:</p>
<ul>
<li data-start="6355" data-end="6384">Reduce emotional reactivity</li>
<li data-start="6355" data-end="6384">Set boundaries without overwhelming guilt</li>
<li data-start="6355" data-end="6384">Honor grief and anger without shame</li>
<li data-start="6355" data-end="6384">Build self-trust and clarity</li>
<li data-start="6355" data-end="6384">Decide how much closeness feels healthy</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="6549" data-end="6666">For some, healing means repair and reconnection. For others, it means acceptance and peace. Both are forms of growth.</p>
<h4 data-start="6668" data-end="6705">You’re Allowed to Want More Ease</h4>
<p data-start="6707" data-end="6863">Struggling with sibling relationships doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong. It means you’re human—and shaped by a system that asked you to adapt early.</p>
<p data-start="6865" data-end="6983">With the right support, it’s possible to loosen old patterns and relate from a place of choice rather than obligation.</p>
<p data-start="6985" data-end="7146">If sibling dynamics continue to weigh on you, therapy can help you create more space, clarity, and emotional freedom—both within your family and within yourself.</p>

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</div><p>The post <a href="https://www.modernmft.com/therapy-for-adult-sibling-relationships/">Therapy for Adult Sibling Relationships&#8230;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.modernmft.com">Modern MFT</a>.</p>
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		<title>Returning to Therapy: Finding Steady Ground Amidst Change, Uncertainty, and Hope</title>
		<link>https://www.modernmft.com/returning-to-therapy-finding-steady-ground-amidst-change-uncertainty-and-hope/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jennifer Uhrlass]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:17:53 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Communication/ Conflict]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Couples]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Intimacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nurturing Hope + Resilience]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Process of Therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self-Esteem]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self-Love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trauma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Anxiety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Coping Skills]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[overwhelm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sadness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stress]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.modernmft.com/?p=6003</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a href="https://www.modernmft.com/returning-to-therapy-finding-steady-ground-amidst-change-uncertainty-and-hope/">Returning to Therapy: Finding Steady Ground Amidst Change, Uncertainty, and Hope</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.modernmft.com">Modern MFT</a>.</p>
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			<p data-start="288" data-end="542">Sometimes, life hands us more than one major transition at once. A new medical diagnosis. The emotional complexity of trying to conceive. An ever-present undercurrent of anxiety or uncertainty. And even in the midst of love and support, you can find yourself wondering:</p>
<p data-start="544" data-end="598"><strong data-start="544" data-end="598">How do I hold all of this? How do I stay grounded?</strong></p>
<p data-start="544" data-end="598"><span id="more-6003"></span></p>
<p data-start="600" data-end="979">If you’re here, it’s because something inside you knows: it’s time to return to therapy. Not because you’re falling apart—but because you’re ready to care for yourself in a deeper, more intentional way. You’ve done this work before. You know how powerful it can be. And now, in this new chapter, you’re seeking steady support as you move through it all—gracefully, but not alone.</p>
<h3 data-start="981" data-end="1030">You Are Carrying A Lot (And That Makes Sense)</h3>
<p data-start="1032" data-end="1356">Getting a new medical diagnosis can tilt your world off center—even when it&#8217;s manageable, even when you’re doing “all the right things.” It can bring up fear, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1VYL7Zd4sFBluOjbaXnsTq">grief</a>, confusion, questions about what the future holds. Layer on the emotional process of trying to conceive—and it’s no wonder that anxiety has been louder lately.</p>
<p data-start="1358" data-end="1656">Let’s name what’s true: you’re navigating a swirl of hope and fear, of timelines and what-ifs, of medical appointments and emotional weight. You’re holding space for your body’s changing needs, your emotional waves, and your desire to stay open and connected to your partner in the midst of it all.</p>
<p data-start="1658" data-end="1692">Of course this feels overwhelming.</p>
<p data-start="1694" data-end="1880">You are doing your best to remain calm and present—but the anxiety? It creeps in. It fills the in-between moments. And when you’re already stretched thin, even small things can feel big.</p>
<p data-start="1882" data-end="1935">This isn’t about weakness. This is about being human.</p>
<h3 data-start="1937" data-end="2002">Returning to Therapy Isn’t a Step Back — It’s a Step Inward</h3>
<p data-start="2004" data-end="2165">Therapy isn’t just something we use when we’re in crisis. It’s a tool for returning to ourselves—especially in seasons where everything feels like it’s shifting.</p>
<p data-start="2167" data-end="2521">You’ve been here before. You know the kind of relief and insight it can bring. And now, you’re wiser. You’re more ready than ever to approach therapy with clarity about what you want to get from it: <strong data-start="2390" data-end="2521">stability, resilience, and a better way to manage the anxious moments that are taking up too much space in your head and heart.</strong></p>
<p data-start="2523" data-end="2782">You’re not looking for a magic fix. You’re looking for real tools. Emotional grounding. A space to process what’s happening medically, relationally, physically. You want to stay connected to yourself and your partner. You want to stay open, hopeful—and whole.</p>
<p data-start="2784" data-end="2822">That’s what therapy can offer you now.</p>
<h3 data-start="2824" data-end="2874">Your Relationship Is A Strength—and a Priority</h3>
<p data-start="2876" data-end="3124">Going through major transitions that require intense personal strength can challenge even the strongest relationships. A partner who listens, who shows up, who wants to support you through everything. That foundation matters. And it’s worth nurturing—especially in times of stress and uncertainty. Therapy helps to provide clarity, emotional support, and a space to process personal needs so that the relationship doesn&#8217;t suffer.</p>
<p data-start="3126" data-end="3293">You may have noticed something important: that while your partner is incredibly supportive, he sometimes holds back what’s going on inside of him. And that matters too.</p>
<p data-start="3295" data-end="3533">Wanting to be there for him as much as he’s been there for you is not just generous—it’s wise. Because relationships thrive when both people feel seen, heard, and emotionally supported. Especially during seasons of uncertainty and stress.</p>
<p data-start="3535" data-end="3563">Returning to therapy can help you to:</p>
<ul>
<li data-start="3567" data-end="3642">Stay attuned to your own emotional needs without shutting your partner out.</li>
<li data-start="3567" data-end="3642">Develop ways of inviting your partner into gentle, open conversations—even about the hard stuff.</li>
<li data-start="3567" data-end="3642">Explore how to better listen and emotionally engage with <em data-start="3801" data-end="3806">his</em> experience, while not losing yourself in the process.</li>
<li data-start="3567" data-end="3642">Keep your connection strong, even as you both navigate the emotional demands of this season.</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="3957" data-end="4096">This is <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/relational-health-and-emotional-wellbeing/202502/six-common-fears-about-starting-relationship">relationship work</a> through the lens of <em data-start="4003" data-end="4009">your</em> <a href="https://www.modernmft.com/services/individual-therapy/">individual therapy</a>. It’s subtle but powerful—and you’re more than capable of doing it.</p>
<h3 data-start="4098" data-end="4133">Navigating Anxiety in Real Time</h3>
<p data-start="4135" data-end="4521">The anxious moments you’re feeling now are likely very different from the ones you’ve experienced before. They may come out of nowhere—during a doctor’s visit, in the middle of a workday, late at night when your thoughts are racing. They may be tied to uncertainty about health, fertility, the future. Or they may simply be your body’s way of trying to make sense of all the “unknowns.”</p>
<p data-start="4523" data-end="4669">In therapy, we’ll create space for those moments—not to get stuck in them, but to understand what they’re trying to tell you. You’ll learn how to:</p>
<ul>
<li data-start="4673" data-end="4722">Recognize the early signals of anxious overwhelm.</li>
<li data-start="4673" data-end="4722">Stay with the feeling, instead of fighting it or running from it.</li>
<li data-start="4673" data-end="4722">Use grounding tools and nervous system regulation techniques to return to the present moment.</li>
<li data-start="4673" data-end="4722">Understand how your anxiety shows up in your body, your thoughts, and your patterns—and learn how to disrupt that loop with kindness and clarity.</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="5036" data-end="5130">This is work you don’t have to do alone. And you don’t have to wait until it feels unbearable.</p>
<h3 data-start="5132" data-end="5172">You Deserve Support <em data-start="5156" data-end="5161">Now</em>, Not Later</h3>
<p data-start="5174" data-end="5343">You’ve already made it through so much. You’ve shown up. You’ve stayed strong. But now it’s time to also be soft. To be supported. To stop pushing through without pause.</p>
<p data-start="5345" data-end="5549">Therapy gives you room to <em data-start="5371" data-end="5380">breathe&#8211;t</em>o feel, to clarify, to plan with peace instead of panic. To slow down without losing momentum. And to reconnect—to yourself, your body, your desires, and your future.</p>
<p data-start="5551" data-end="5763">Whether or not this season unfolds the way you hope, you deserve to move through it with steadiness, with dignity, and with the presence of someone in your corner—someone who’s there to hold space just for <em data-start="5757" data-end="5762">you</em>.</p>
<p data-start="5765" data-end="5791">You’re ready. Let’s begin.</p>
<p data-start="5798" data-end="5987" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node=""><em data-start="5798" data-end="5987" data-is-last-node="">If this feels like your next right step, <a href="https://www.modernmft.com/contact-nyc-psychotherapist/">reach out</a> today. Therapy can be a powerful companion on your path toward more clarity, calm, and connection—even in life’s most uncertain seasons.</em></p>

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</div><p>The post <a href="https://www.modernmft.com/returning-to-therapy-finding-steady-ground-amidst-change-uncertainty-and-hope/">Returning to Therapy: Finding Steady Ground Amidst Change, Uncertainty, and Hope</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.modernmft.com">Modern MFT</a>.</p>
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		<title>Important Considerations Before Starting Therapy&#8230;</title>
		<link>https://www.modernmft.com/important-considerations-before-starting-therapy/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jennifer Uhrlass]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 03 Jan 2025 22:57:52 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Communication/ Conflict]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Emotional Pressures]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family-of-Origin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Process of Therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self-Love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex + Affection]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transition to Parenthood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trauma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trust]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.modernmft.com/?p=4683</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a href="https://www.modernmft.com/important-considerations-before-starting-therapy/">Important Considerations Before Starting Therapy&#8230;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.modernmft.com">Modern MFT</a>.</p>
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			<h1 class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Considerations For Getting Started in Therapy </b></span></h1>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Many folks might be curious about starting therapy but struggle to know how to select a therapist or even how to consider therapy services. If you do not work in the healthcare field yourself or are new to the idea of investing in therapy, you may be very unfamiliar with how it all works.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">This post aims to help people become more familiar with the current landscape of therapy so that you can make informed choices about your care.</span></p>
<p><span id="more-4683"></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Therapy can be life-changing with the right therapist, but it’s also an important investment of your time, energy, and money so it’s wise to be very selective when choosing a therapist. </span></p>
<h3 class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>The decision to start therapy…</b></span></h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Sometimes people start therapy and have a very clear reason for seeking it out and other times, they know something feels off but need some help clarifying their goals and taking meaningful and effective action.</span></p>
<h3>Issues I treat/  My approach&#8230;</h3>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">In my practice, I help people improve the quality of their intimate relationships and their overall emotional well-being. I work equally with individuals and partners, and I enjoy working with folks from all walks of life. My extensive and culturally informed training has allowed me to work effectively with folks across differences. <strong>I strive to create a sense of safety, trust, and comfort for my LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC clients.</strong> I also work with interracial and interfaith couples as well as expats. I deeply enjoy and value working across difference and consider myself a lifelong learner. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">One my most meaningful professional experiences thus far has been participating as a post graduate student at the Ackerman Institute for the Family here in NYC. Through scholarship, I was able to spend a full postgraduate year studying the art and skill of therapy alongside thoughtful, deeply dedicated, and curious peers and educators. During this time, we shared cases together, consulted as a team, and even participated in the extracurricular <strong>Talk Race</strong> group, where we <strong>unpacked our own intersectional identities</strong> more deeply with regard to <strong>our intention vs. impact out in the world</strong>. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I believe these unique, in-depth, and long-term training opportunities have allowed me to be the most effective, curious, and informed therapist I can be.<strong> I deeply value curiosity&#8211;both personally and professionally. </strong></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Individuals may be struggling with relational challenges, family of origin issues/ trauma (in the form of abuse or neglect), dating/sex, cultivating satisfying connection, and the stress of navigating major life transitions in general.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I often work with partners who are looking to improve their communication, cultivate a more optimal erotic intimacy, or move through the major shift of transition to parenthood. In these sessions, we dive into how to keep their relationship strong through this major life transition. We unpack communication issues, sex/ affection issues, destructive interactional patterns, outside relationships, repair after arguments, and in general &#8212; how to nurture a satisfying relationship over the long-term.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Ultimately, I help folks overcome significant barriers and move through individual blocks by providing a personalized approach based on research and my extensive clinical experience. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Therapy can help you to recognize your interpersonal patterns and understand where you might be struggling so that you’re better equipped to handle life’s diverse challenges. The therapist can collaborate with you in a really personalized way to help you to be more effective. It is this tailored approach and the unique therapeutic relationship that you share with your therapist that makes therapy such a special, effective, and worthwhile endeavor. </span></p>
<blockquote>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Whether you are struggling with some form of self-sabotage, or feelings of loneliness or you are having difficulty in your interpersonal relationships— therapy can be a great way to begin addressing the barriers so that you can ultimately enjoy life more fully, cultivate more meaningful relationships, and experience more pleasure, joy, and satisfaction on a regular basis. </span></p>
</blockquote>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Familiarize yourself with the idea that it is a worthwhile investment of your resources.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Therapy is likely not going to feel convenient—in any way—although it might feel like just the thing you really need, it probably won’t be convenient for you.</b> </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">It’s the kind of thing where you have to make time for it and really put in the effort to see the results. <b>However, therapy with the right therapist can truly be life-changing. </b></span></p>
<h2 class="p1"><span class="s1"><b><i>Tip #1: Understand the present landscape of therapy…</i></b></span></h2>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Familiarize yourself with the landscape of therapy so you are informed about what’s available to you and what kind of therapist might be the best fit for you. Most therapists are trained fairly well to handle the common reasons people might come in—anxiety, depression, stress, and relationships, etc. But, based on their professional training, they might take VERY different approaches and that approach can make all the difference. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">In addition, level of experience can play a huge role in the quality of your experience. While experience is optimal here, if you are on a very tight financial budget, don&#8217;t shy away from asking about sliding scale rates. Often, therapists do reserve some spots in their practice for such circumstances. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>It can also be helpful to view therapy as a time-limited investment and not this ongoing expense that never ends.</strong> This can help you contextualize the value of the service. Ideally, you will want to pursue therapy with an experienced and fully licensed clinician who has the skills, knowledge, and experience to help you in an effective and timely manner.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The therapeutic relationship is a very unique one with legal and ethical standards in place. In my practice, I personally provide a four-session diagnostic assessment for partners and a three session assessment for individuals. This approach ensures a quality fit between client and therapist so that we create the right conditions for the work ahead. I believe this is the best way to provide the most appropriate value to clients at this beginning stage.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>In completing the assessment period, we gain clarity over what&#8217;s happening and what&#8217;s bringing you and/or you and your partner in and it also serves to help you assess whether I&#8217;m the right fit in a meaningful and in-depth way. </strong></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">From there, once we&#8217;ve reviewed the findings together and determined a possible course of treatment, I will let you know if I&#8217;m not the best therapist for you and will provide thoughtful referrals in this case. If we agree to proceed together, we&#8217;ll sort out a schedule based on defined treatment goals. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>While it’s tempting to think you can assess fit over the phone, it’s not the best approach&#8211;it&#8217;s simply not possible to gain a meaningful sense of therapeutic fit in a brief phone conversation that is focused on logistics of care: i.e.- scheduling, fees, and availability.</strong> In my experience, you have to schedule sessions to really see if it’s the best fit. That way, you can get a sense of the therapist’s style, personality, and approach to the work. You can also get a better sense of if you can see yourself building trust with this person. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b><i>Looking at fees…</i></b></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Let’s briefly touch on fees. In general, experienced and highly trained therapists who are fully licensed and have been practicing independently (not requiring supervision) for at least 6/7 years, will not take insurance and will most likely have higher fees. In NYC, that is generally over $275 per session. </span><span class="s1">However, if you have health insurance with out of network benefits, many insurances will likely reimburse you for a large percentage of the fee. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">So for example, if the therapist charges $300 per session and your insurance covers 50% of the fee, you would receive $150 of the fee back in the form of a check from your insurance company. Sometimes, your plan may cover even more, so it&#8217;s worth checking out! In my practice, I&#8217;m happy to help you check your benefits ahead of time so you have a clear sense of what&#8217;s covered.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"> I have seen some plans cover up to 80% of the fee, so it’s definitely worth checking out. Many therapists also provide a sliding scale fee structure, so it can be helpful to ask about this during your initial call. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Do some research and find out what your particular insurance plan covers. I recommend doing this as soon as you have decided to seek treatment. That way, your initial calls to therapists are more productive. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">You can say to your insurance company that you’d like to see ____<span class="Apple-converted-space">  </span>provider because they specialize in _____ *insert specific issues that you are struggling with; &#8220;they have a unique background and training in this area so I feel they will be able to help me best.&#8221; You can also mention that you are looking to go to a provider who is experienced. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Therapy can be extremely helpful if you are looking to improve your relationship to self and others. If you’ve always found your family to be a source of stress/ frustration and there have been troubling experiences in your family of origin while you were growing up, you may find a licensed marriage and family therapist is a nice choice since they will be well-versed in family and relationship dynamics and how to improve them.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Licensed MFTs will be familiar with how to best approach these issues and help you function at your best in all relationships—work, friendships, intimate partners, and of course, relationship to self.</span></p>
<h2 class="p1"><span class="s1"><b><i>Tip #2 Sort through the different types of trained professionals…</i></b></span></h2>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Some terms to help you sort through the options: </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><i>Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist &#8211; L</i>MFTs are trained to provide high quality therapy and work with individuals, couples, and whole families, so they have a breadth and depth approach to the work. MFTs take a contextual approach to the work so they will be able to take a look at many factors that might be influencing your presenting concerns. Rather than place you into a diagnostic toolbox, they will take a holistic approach to your care. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><i>Psychiatrists </i>&#8211; are medical doctors who are able to prescribe medication. Sometimes, they also provide therapy, however, you will want to look into their approach and therapeutic training to learn more about how they provide psychotherapy. In some cases, a person might have a psychiatrist as well as a therapist whom they see weekly. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><i>Social worker </i> &#8211; many social workers pursue a clinical career where they have completed supervised therapy (clinical) hours and clinical supervision so they can provide therapy. Not all social workers pursue this path however. You will want to look for a social worker who has the letters &#8220;LCSWR.&#8221; This ensures they have the proper clinical experience/ clinical training. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><i>Psychologist </i>&#8211; these providers have completed a PhD or a PsyD and might conduct research, provide therapy, or provide a combination of the two. Again, you will want to learn about their expertise, training, and years in practice to familiarize yourself with their approach to treatment. There is a wide variety of specializations/ modalities within clinical  psychology so you may want to visit their website to learn more about their particular approach and the common issues treated.</span></p>
<h2 class="p1"><span class="s1"><b><i>Tip #3 Understand the difference in the options…</i></b></span></h2>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Here’s a very quick overview: you can receive these services through an outpatient clinic, a hospital, a stand alone clinic, or in a private practice setting. You can also pursue the services through one of those large virtual companies (i.e. Betterhelp for example) where they claim to set you up with the ‘best match for you.’ However, you will want to proceed with caution as these are large, high volume operations. I would be curious to understand how they manage to maintain high quality standards of care at such low costs and what systems are set up and in place to ensure a quality clinical experience. <strong>Remember, if it seems too good to be true&#8211;it probably is. </strong></span></p>
<p class="p1"><strong><span class="s1">If privacy is most important to you—yep, you guessed it!— A private practice setting is likely the best fit for you. </span></strong></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">With so many choices, it would make sense that you might feel overwhelmed. However, I’m going to offer you some inside tips on how to find the best care for you to help make your search easier. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">First, understand the landscape. What do I mean by that? Well, when managed care (insurance companies) took over the management of psychotherapy services in the 1980s, many things changed. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Managed care now determines the price of the therapy services, how long they deem care should go on for, and can even influence clinical decisions based on the diagnosis and what they deem is the best path or course of action. In short, the insurance companies have a lot of control over the matters related to your mental health care and what services they choose to cover. This is one of the reasons why many providers opt not be in-network with insurance companies—they would essentially be working for the insurance company instead of for themselves and their client(s). </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Level of experience is part of what you are paying for…</b></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">At the present time, many experienced therapists opt to accept insurance on an out-of-network basis. Meaning that the client pays for the service up front and the therapist provides the client with a receipt so they can submit it to their insurance company for reimbursement. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">This allows the therapist to maintain creative control over the therapy and set their own fees without input from the insurance companies. As a therapist who has been operating this way for a number of years, I can say that this allows for the highest quality care in a private practice setting. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">An experienced and fully licensed therapist (of any discipline) has spent many years training and perfecting their craft. In addition to the standard education in graduate school, experienced therapists have likely worked in several different clinical settings and have trained for many years (postgraduate) beyond the minimal requirements of licensure. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">It can be helpful to spend a little time considering what are you looking to change/ heal from or move through in therapy…perhaps you are wrestling with a major life transition, self-image issues or your sense of self-belief. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Maybe you want to act in more confident, self-assured ways. Or, perhaps you are struggling with intimate relationships, dating, communication with a partner, anxiety/ avoidance, or work relationships—there may be many reasons you are seeking out some help and support. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>People seek help at different points across the lifespan. </b></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b><i>Looking into low cost options…</i></b></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">If you do not have a job currently or you are on a very tight budget, there are many options for good care. While many experienced therapists who are operating a private practice tend not to take insurance and charge higher fees, there are several very good options that allow you to have quality care at a more budget friendly price. First, it could be helpful to check in with a clinician to see if they are offering an equitable fee structure. Many times, clinicians reserve a portion of their practice for such spots and may have some openings, it&#8217;s worth it to ask! Training clinics can also be a great place to start. Many times, the therapists at training clinics have extensive experience already but are seeking some specialized training. As a clinician who has trained at many of them in NYC, I can personally attest that there is good clinical work happening within those spaces and solid supervision. The cost of sessions at these training clinics is often very low because the majority of their revenue is coming from paid trainings that they host for therapists as well as tuition. Therefore, the cost of therapy sessions are able to be kept on the lower end.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The issue of access and affordability is a much larger conversation about our healthcare system in general. It’s a systemic problem and therefore requires a systemic consideration. Certainly, it’s not an easy or simple one to fix. The reimbursement rates to in-network providers are often very low and are not able to cover the cost of offering therapy services&#8211;and many of the insurance rates haven&#8217;t changed in decades! </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">In addition, insurance companies do not consider years in practice when setting reimbursement rates&#8211;this creates significant inequities across the mental health field in terms of fair and reasonable salaries for therapists. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>It will surely take thoughtful, committed action to bring about meaningful changes to our current healthcare system so that &#8211; as a society, we value more deeply the important work of therapists. Once we have a system that truly honors and values mental health across the board, the situation — including access to high quality care and services will begin to look very different.</b></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">In the meantime, therapy services vary greatly in quality and are available at different price points depending on a number of factors. </span></p>
<h2 class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Key takeaways given our current mental health landscape: </b></span></h2>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">-Go to the most experienced therapist you can afford. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">-Feel free to ask the therapist how many years of experience beyond graduate school they have as well as how many years they have been fully licensed in their state. You can also look up how long a therapist has been licensed in a particular state by searching their name on the department of licensed professions website. It will tell you how many years they have had their license.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">-Private practice settings will typically offer the most privacy. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">-If you are looking for an experienced and fully licensed professional, expect to pay a premium rate for treatment. However, don&#8217;t shy away from asking for a sliding scale if you truly need one. If you are curious about the <strong>benefits of therapy</strong>, you can check out <a href="https://www.modernmft.com/intro-to-therapy/">my post here</a>.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">-Insurance companies typically reimburse anywhere from 50%-80% of the full fee for out of network providers. So it it worthwhile to call your insurance company and find out your reimbursement rate, deductible, number of sessions covered per year. You can also get a quick check on you out-of-network benefits <a href="https://calculator.meetnirvana.com/">here.</a></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">If you decide to call the number on the back of your card, you can ask them about the reimbursement percentage for 90791 (initial), 90834 (individual), and 90847 (couple/ family).<span class="Apple-converted-space">  </span>If they ask for the fee, you can give them $300 per session  rate so you can get an idea of what you’d actually be paying per session. Each geographic area of the country has what insurance calls a “reasonable and customary rate” based on a number of factors. NYC and SF tend to be on the higher end for example since they are more expensive cities. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">-Low cost care is accessible at local training clinics, however you may have a short wait to receive the services.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">-Local universities can often provide a list of low cost options in the area if you are on a tight budget or unemployed at the moment, it is worth reaching out to inquire.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I hope you have found this post helpful on your journey. I know it might be a lot to take in initially, but once you get started, it will be worthwhile! </span><span class="s1">Feel free to send me an email if you have any questions about this post. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Warmly,</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Jennifer </span></p>

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</div><p>The post <a href="https://www.modernmft.com/important-considerations-before-starting-therapy/">Important Considerations Before Starting Therapy&#8230;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.modernmft.com">Modern MFT</a>.</p>
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		<title>Curious About Therapy, But Not Sure Where to Begin&#8230;</title>
		<link>https://www.modernmft.com/curious-about-therapy-but-not-sure-where-to-begin/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jennifer Uhrlass]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jan 2025 22:15:42 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Process of Therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trust]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[benefits of therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[how to begin therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[starting therapy]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.modernmft.com/?p=4623</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Therapy as a service&#8230; Therapy is a very unique type of service, and is often misunderstood in our current cultural landscape. In a world where we simply &#8220;change the channel&#8221; or, swipe on something we no longer want to engage in, therapy invites us to sit and to consider; to wonder; and to work in [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.modernmft.com/curious-about-therapy-but-not-sure-where-to-begin/">Curious About Therapy, But Not Sure Where to Begin&#8230;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.modernmft.com">Modern MFT</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Therapy as a service&#8230;</h2>
<p>Therapy is a very unique type of service, and is often misunderstood in our current cultural landscape. In a world where we simply &#8220;change the channel&#8221; or, swipe on something we no longer want to engage in, therapy invites us to sit and to consider; to wonder; and to work in a thoughtful manner to design a better outcome for our life.</p>
<p><span id="more-4623"></span></p>
<p>If you aren&#8217;t already familiar with the process of therapy, you may not be accustomed to the idea of paying someone for this special service. Alternatively, perhaps you&#8217;ve tried therapy before, but didn&#8217;t feel you had positive results. This is where it can be helpful to understand further the value exchange since therapy services can range greatly in terms of cost and quality. If you&#8217;ve tried therapy but didn&#8217;t feel you had positive results, this may be due to many factors. Reasons for unsuccessful treatment can vary, but might include that the therapist of choice didn&#8217;t have the right level of experience or training to help. Or, that for some reason, the client was struggling to actively engage or commit to the effort required to yield more desirable results.</p>
<p>As a therapist who has been trained to help others sit with emotion and to help emotionally strengthen others in a profound way, &#8220;the swipe left/ right culture&#8221; is in direct opposition to how I operate as both a human being and a provider. It has been sad to see large-scale telehealth companies using the line &#8216;change therapists at any time, no questions asked&#8217; as a type of marketing point as if that&#8217;s some sort of indication of an overall positive thing. This is not to say choice isn&#8217;t a good thing, but it is to say: perhaps we are rushing through and running from something instead of facing the thing and committing to the work.</p>
<p><strong>The current &#8220;anything goes/ instant results&#8221; landscape seems to go against the true essence of good and effective therapy and its purpose. </strong>I believe therapy is most useful and effective when the therapist is responsibly holding the frame and facilitating the course of treatment which includes clear communication, clear expectations, and a commitment to the work on both sides.</p>
<h2>Why therapy?</h2>
<p>Having doubts or concerns about starting therapy is completely normal. Most of us are not used to investing in therapy&#8211;meaning it might not be a part of our typical monthly or annual routine/ budget&#8211;and so as a result, we don&#8217;t have any context in which to place the investment in our mind&#8217;s eye&#8230;</p>
<p>There&#8217;s no denying that therapy is an investment of time, energy, and money, and so it&#8217;s important that you choose a therapist wisely. It also requires a willingness to explore the self and a commitment to the process which can feel challenging at times. Especially since it requires you to carve out time to show up each week.</p>
<p><em>As a therapist, I believe &#8216;the goal of therapy is to end therapy.&#8217;</em></p>
<p>While each situation is a little different and there are circumstances and situations that may require more long term support and care; generally speaking&#8211;therapy is most often a time-limited pursuit. <strong>I think of therapy as a course of treatment designed to help you make important improvements to your life (whatever form that may take).</strong> Therapy can help you heal from unresolved traumas, family of origin wounds, and gain awareness into any vulnerabilities that are keeping you stuck or struggling in some way.</p>
<p>Through a caring, individualized therapeutic alliance, that is designed to provide both a comforting and challenging environment, your therapist helps you to see yourself from a more authentic and compassionate stance while helping you to take meaningful action toward your desired outcome(s).</p>
<p><strong>Therapy is an investment in your relational and emotional well-being designed to have a lasting positive impact.</strong></p>
<p>While experience isn&#8217;t the only factor that goes into making the therapist effective, it can certainly make a big difference in the treatment and helping you work toward your goals. An experienced therapist who is fully licensed and who has been practicing for several years will have a breadth and depth of clinical experience and knowledge that newer therapists would not yet have been able to cultivate given their lack of experience. This is not to say that newer therapists are not helpful, however, you may find the lack of experience to inhibit progress in some important ways depending on your situation and presenting issues.</p>
<h3>Understanding the landscape of mental health treatment in general&#8230;</h3>
<p>The mental health system is a broken one. While there can be many positive aspects to our healthcare system in a broad strokes sense, there are also many challenges. Meaning that as a system, it isn&#8217;t functioning all that well and a lot of people struggle to get the right care they need when they need it. Providers do their part to create more accessibility in general and offer services on a sliding scale basis as well as group work. Companies are beginning to tune in more deeply to the importance of mental health overall and offer resources and stipends to their employees. And in general, there&#8217;s less overall stigma and people are more educated on the many benefits of therapy and the ways it can significantly improve their quality of life. In addition, there are also many helpful resources that have been developed to help improve access to high quality mental health services, which I will share at the end of this article. While the landscape has significantly shifted over the last ten years, there is still much work to be done. <strong>By truly valuing the service of therapy, we continue to move in the direction of truly valuing our peace, well-being and our relational health. </strong></p>
<p>Another factor impacting the overall landscape of therapy services is the low in-network insurance reimbursement rates for providers. As a result, many experienced therapists opt not to take insurance directly (in-network) because they simply wouldn&#8217;t be able to sustain themselves. Licensed therapists, similar to doctors and attorneys have spent many years training to become competent in their chosen field often taking out loans to complete their studies. Once a therapist completes graduate school, there are several more years of training required in order to become fully and independently licensed. This failure to acknowledge and respond to the realities of the cost associated with becoming an experienced and highly trained professional therapist contributes to the discord and disjointedness of how services are seen and utilized.</p>
<p><strong>But I&#8217;ve never considered therapy to be an important investment&#8230;</strong></p>
<p>Lots of folks don&#8217;t, and that&#8217;s part of the issue. We tend to value therapy only when we are in crisis, but not so much during regular times. Think for a moment what you spent time and money on over these last three months&#8230;as you reflect, how did your spending serve you? Do you have any regrets? Do you feel positive about what you seem to deem valuable? What might you change moving forward?</p>
<p>Therapy is the type of service often not thought about until you are feeling &#8220;in need of it,&#8221; which can impact how we think about investing in it. It can be helpful to contextualize therapy as a unique service and view it as a more time-limited expense rather than a long-term one. It can also be helpful to view therapy as a co-constructed course of treatment with a beginning, middle, and end. The therapist, who is trained to help with the specific issues you are facing, serves as a helpful guide on your unique journey.</p>
<p><strong>Isn&#8217;t it like going to the doctor?</strong></p>
<p>Similar but different. As the field of therapy moved over to primarily being controlled by managed care (insurance companies), the way psychotherapy services were offered drastically shifted as the insurance companies moved in to take ownership over the entire experience. As a result, the insurance companies deem how much services should cost and how long a person should be treated for&#8211;which can be limiting for many seeking the right care. For this reason, many therapists opt not to contract with insurance companies directly.</p>
<p>In addition, psychotherapy involves the development of an ongoing therapeutic relationship which involves the client sharing personal details about their life that is unique to the service when compared with other types of treatment providers.</p>
<p><strong>Can I afford it?</strong></p>
<p>This is a unique question because it also invites the question what are you willing to spend time and money on and why? Therapy might not be where you want to skimp and here&#8217;s why&#8230;</p>
<ul>
<li>it&#8217;s temporary (in most cases, though not all)</li>
<li>it&#8217;s an important investment</li>
<li>it can significantly improve the quality of your life</li>
<li>cost is often influenced by therapist&#8217;s level of experience and training</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Will insurance help pay for it?</strong></p>
<p>In many cases, if you have insurance that covers out-of-network coverage, the answer is likely yes. You will want to contact the number on the back of your insurance card to find out if your contract covers out of network mental health services. You can also ask about the specific codes: 90791 (initial psychiatric assessment), 90847 (family/ couple work), and 90834 (individual psychotherapy) to learn more about the specific coverage of each. This can help you to make informed decisions regarding your care. In most cases, an experienced and highly trained therapist may be a more costly option, but you may find the work is more succinct and helpful overall—resulting in less time, energy and money spent in the long run. Ultimately, it’s important to consider your own specific needs and resources and make an informed decision from there.</p>
<p><strong>What if I can&#8217;t afford it?</strong></p>
<p>If you&#8217;re finding that the cost is out of reach after considering your personal situation in the context of the landscape of therapy, don&#8217;t lose hope. There are many wonderful resources that provide high quality care at low or no cost. You may have to do some research and provide some details about your income, but there are great options out there which I have outlined below. While the most important qualities to look for in a therapist are training and experience, the next most important quality is <em>how comfortable you feel with them</em>. (<a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2002-01390-002">Studies</a> show the effectiveness of therapy depends on a high quality therapeutic relationship!)</p>
<p><a href="https://www.ackerman.org/">Ackerman Institute for the Family (NY- based)</a></p>
<p><a href="https://icpnyc.org/">Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy (NY- based)</a></p>
<p><a href="https://helloalma.com/">Alma </a></p>
<p><a href="https://thelovelandfoundation.org/therapy-fund/">Loveland Foundation -provides assistance for Black women and girls seeking therapy services.</a></p>
<p><a href="https://openpathcollective.org/?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMIuKToqvzXigMVJMwWBR0hZRSWEAAYASAAEgKFvPD_BwE">Open Path Collective </a></p>
<p>While the initial efforts involved in starting therapy can feel a bit cumbersome at first, therapy is work worth doing. Taking the time to address struggles and tend to our personal barriers helps us grow stronger in the long run. Taking active steps toward the life we desire to live is a powerful form of self-love!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.modernmft.com/curious-about-therapy-but-not-sure-where-to-begin/">Curious About Therapy, But Not Sure Where to Begin&#8230;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.modernmft.com">Modern MFT</a>.</p>
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		<title>Why Finding a Therapist is Not Like Dating&#8230;</title>
		<link>https://www.modernmft.com/why-finding-a-therapist-is-not-like-dating/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jennifer Uhrlass]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2020 01:54:35 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Process of Therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trust]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[choosing a therapist]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[effective therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Investing in yourself]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[process of therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[therapy]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.modernmft.com/?p=4625</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Task of Finding a Therapist&#8230; I often cringe when I hear: &#8220;finding a therapist is a lot like dating&#8230;&#8221; While it&#8217;s a unique relationship and does involve a level of fit, it is not like dating, and here&#8217;s why&#8230; First, I&#8217;ll preface this post with the acknowledgment that yes, finding a therapist is a [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.modernmft.com/why-finding-a-therapist-is-not-like-dating/">Why Finding a Therapist is Not Like Dating&#8230;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.modernmft.com">Modern MFT</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>The Task of Finding a Therapist&#8230;</h2>
<p><span class="s1">I often cringe when I hear</span>: &#8220;finding a therapist is a lot like dating&#8230;&#8221; While it&#8217;s a unique relationship and does involve a level of fit, it is not like dating, and here&#8217;s why&#8230;</p>
<p><span id="more-4625"></span></p>
<p>First, I&#8217;ll preface this post with the acknowledgment that yes, finding a therapist is a task and involves a process. And yes, it involves finding a &#8220;right fit,&#8221; but it&#8217;s not like finding a date or a partner. You&#8217;re not swiping left or right or trying to impress your potential therapist.</p>
<p><strong>If you are seeking therapy, there is an important reason. Most likely, you are hurting or deeply dissatisfied in some critical way and you are seeking help to address these very important areas of concern.</strong></p>
<p><strong>With so many &#8220;helping/ healing practitioners&#8221; out there, you need to do your research on their educational and training background so you can be well-informed on what you can expect from the service and how it is designed to help you improve or move forward.</strong> Nowadays in the age of &#8220;influencers&#8221; and very costly social media ads, this is more important than ever. Do your research and take the time to become informed.</p>
<h2>An important investment</h2>
<p>You are not dating your therapist. You are paying your therapist for a highly specialized professional service that has legal and ethical standards in place. Your therapist possesses a license, advanced clinical skills/ knowledge, and several years of graduate and postgraduate training that allows them to deliver effective care to you.</p>
<p>They are trained to help you to make forward movement in your life toward a meaningful outcome. The therapeutic relationship is not a friendship nor should it ever feel like one. It is not a reciprocal relationship. While it can be a warm relationship and you will feel cared for, it is NEVER sexual! This is highly unethical due the nature of the therapeutic relationship.</p>
<h2><strong>What does &#8220;right fit&#8221; mean? </strong></h2>
<p>There&#8217;s a lot of nuance to &#8216;fit&#8217; in my experience. Here are my thoughts based on my work as a practicing therapist in NYC:</p>
<h3>Experience</h3>
<p>This is an important area, especially if you are getting ready to invest in high quality treatment. You do not want to waste your time or money. An experienced therapist will have likely worked in several settings over the years. They will have been exposed to many other medical and mental health professionals and will be able to offer you the benefit of their experience. In addition, an experienced therapist is often trained in different modalities and interventions so they will be able to integrate all that they know in helping you through the issues you are struggling with. This is crucial because providing effective therapy is both an art and a skill. If you are specifically interested in a private practice setting, be sure to read the bios carefully, as many practice owners employ less experienced therapists to work for them.</p>
<h3>Training and skills</h3>
<p>To become a therapist requires A LOT of training. An experienced therapist has spent many years training and developing their competence as an effective clinician. It is an intensive endeavor that requires a huge investment of time, money, effort, and energy in order to become a licensed and well-versed therapist.</p>
<p>A therapist has undergone rigorous and specialized training to be able to become licensed. For example, I myself completed my Master&#8217;s program at Syracuse University in 2011 (which included three clinical internship placements). After graduating, I worked for several years as an clinician in hospital and outpatient settings throughout CT. This allowed me to obtain the required clinical hours and supervision hours necessary to sit for the national exam in my field (marriage and family therapy).</p>
<p>From there, I worked at Columbia University Medical Center prior to opening my own practice in 2014. I have been operating a full-time private practice in New York City since then. Throughout this time, I continued to train. I have completed certificate programs at the Ackerman Institute for Family Therapy, the Gottman Institute, the New York Center for Emotionally Focused Therapy, and the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy.</p>
<p>My participation in several long-standing supervision groups here in NYC has been invaluable to my professional development. These advanced level training groups with highly experienced clinicians and renowned trainers have enabled me to offer the highest quality care to my clients.</p>
<blockquote><p>When you pay for an experienced clinician, you are paying for their wealth of experience and their unique clinical knowledge. It goes way beyond simply &#8220;liking&#8221; your therapist.</p></blockquote>
<h3><strong>You feel comfortable sharing things honestly with them</strong></h3>
<p>Again, you are not going to be friends, although you may feel a lot of warmth toward your therapist. And while they may experience warmth toward you too, it is not a reciprocal relationship. You don&#8217;t have to look the same or be into the same things in order for the therapeutic relationship to be effective. The therapeutic relationship is a one-sided, professional relationship. As a result, you don&#8217;t need to mesh with your therapist as if you are planning to date them. You just need to feel like they are competent to treat you in order to do your important work. This is critical to keep in mind as you sort through profiles that &#8220;catch your eye.&#8221; Since you are there for important reasons, make sure you are paying attention to the aspects of the therapist that really matter.</p>
<p><strong>A well-trained therapist is skilled in working across differences and is experienced in helping individuals and couples of varying backgrounds.</strong> An advanced-level therapist of this sort has spent a significant amount of time in diverse professional circles over many years, so they will be able to navigate important conversations having to do with your experiences in a sensitive and well-informed way.</p>
<h3>Scheduling a first session to get a feel&#8230;</h3>
<p>The best way to assess fit with a potential therapist is by scheduling a session with them. In COVID times, that means virtually. So often, folks might want to try and assess fit over the phone, however, this isn&#8217;t the best approach. While you get to hear their voice, the purpose of the initial call is really for you and the therapist to talk briefly to gain a better understanding of the reasons that are bringing you in. If it seems to make sense to work together (the therapist treats those issues), you will schedule a first session so you can get a sense of what work might feel like with this particular therapist. If you are the type of prospective client who enjoys learning as much as you can first, I recommend checking out their website where you can read up on their specialties, training, and approach.</p>
<h3><strong>You can see yourself developing trust </strong></h3>
<p>Trusting your therapist helps you to feel comfortable in the work. Feeling a sense of trust with your therapist will likely take some time to sense. How do you sense trust? You might feel trust when you perceive them to be a competent and boundaried clinician. Here are a few other things to notice about your therapist:</p>
<ul>
<li>returns your calls and emails in a timely manner</li>
<li>helps you to receive your out of network reimbursement benefits</li>
<li>takes the time and effort to collaborate with other providers who are also helping you</li>
<li>follows up with you as necessary and is on time for your sessions each week</li>
</ul>
<p>A good therapist will challenge you, and you&#8217;ll feel you are working toward important progress. If you are noticing these traits and interactions, that&#8217;s a very good sign.</p>
<p>I hope this post has been helpful as you begin to navigate your important journey. Therapy can be a life-changing experience with the right therapist so it&#8217;s important to invest in the right therapeutic relationship. In my practice, I offer both short-term therapy and more traditional weekly therapy services. I work with individuals and couples and I also facilitate groups.</p>
<p>Ready to get started on your unique healing journey? Let&#8217;s talk! 917. 708.7088.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.modernmft.com/why-finding-a-therapist-is-not-like-dating/">Why Finding a Therapist is Not Like Dating&#8230;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.modernmft.com">Modern MFT</a>.</p>
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		<title>Cultivating Resilience, Self-Belief, and Identity</title>
		<link>https://www.modernmft.com/cultivating-resilience-self-belief-and-identity/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jennifer Uhrlass]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 24 Oct 2019 23:24:17 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Emotional Pressures]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family-of-Origin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Intimacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mood + Anxiety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nurturing Hope + Resilience]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Process of Therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self-Esteem]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self-Love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trauma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trust]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.modernmft.com/?p=4519</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Something that’s so important to keep in mind is this idea that you matter. We can often look around and experience so much noise around us that it can feel hard to feel a sense of peace and calm inside. It can also feel hard to maintain a sense that we are important and that [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.modernmft.com/cultivating-resilience-self-belief-and-identity/">Cultivating Resilience, Self-Belief, and Identity</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.modernmft.com">Modern MFT</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Something that’s so important to keep in mind is this idea that you matter. We can often look around and experience so much noise around us that it can feel hard to feel a sense of peace and calm inside. It can also feel hard to maintain a sense that we are important and that we matter &#8211; to ourselves and to others.</span></p>
<p><span id="more-4519"></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I often think about this especially when it comes to relationships and how we relate and interact in relationships and how we experience closeness with others. For some, it is difficult to cultivate this consistently. There is often a tendency to look at how others impact us instead of how we impact others. I think we need to reverse this. This is not to say that how others treat us or interact with us isn&#8217;t important, (of course it is!), but in order to “do our part” we need to examine how we are contributing to the conversation and how we are entering an interaction. For example, we might be out in the world and maybe we are feeling rather small or insignificant in some ways &#8211;<span class="Apple-converted-space">  </span>how does this then translate into how we experience ourselves and others in relationship? </span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">If we didn&#8217;t grow up in an environment where we felt validated and affirmed (or particularly important in terms of how we felt or what we had to say), it can be harder to trust and truly believe in our goodness or believe in our gifts &#8211; or to even identify what our gifts are. This is especially difficult if we are also part of a group that has a history of being oppressed or shut out or shut down in their everyday lives. This can make it incredibly difficult to cultivate a sense of “I matter” “how I show up &#8211; what I have to say, my feelings have a right to be heard, I matter, I count.” I think if we don&#8217;t cultivate that inside as we grow, we can go our whole lives feeling a sense of “without” or a sense that we are not important. This has grave consequences &#8211; relationally, culturally, and globally. </span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">So where to start? In my work as a therapist, I am always conscious and interested in how I help a person to become more empowered in their own life. There is a process involved: assessment, history taking, understanding of what’s working, what’s not, etc. I like to work very organically with my clients meaning that if something comes up that we feel deserves more time and attention, we may stay there for a little while to explore and to heal. Foundational to where we go is understanding their values as an individual. Exploring what is truly important and why helps us to have clarity about how we decide to move through life. Congruence, meaning your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are in alignment. You don&#8217;t say &#8220;I&#8217;m fine&#8221; when you actually feel terrible. You don&#8217;t say you care about someone but your actions prove otherwise. You are in alignment. When we are congruent, we can move through life with greater intention and make decisions with courage and conviction. </span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.modernmft.com/cultivating-resilience-self-belief-and-identity/">Cultivating Resilience, Self-Belief, and Identity</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.modernmft.com">Modern MFT</a>.</p>
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		<title>Do I need therapy? Maybe. Probably. Don’t we all?</title>
		<link>https://www.modernmft.com/do-i-need-therapy-maybe-probably-dont-we-all/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jennifer Uhrlass]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 24 Oct 2019 22:36:17 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Communication/ Conflict]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Couples]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dating]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Desire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Emotional Pressures]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family-of-Origin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Intimacy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mood + Anxiety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nurturing Hope + Resilience]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Process of Therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self-Esteem]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self-Love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Separation/ Divorce/ Breakups]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sex + Affection]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transition to Parenthood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trauma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trust]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.modernmft.com/?p=4514</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>We all go through times when we feel ill-equipped to navigate a tough situation or distant from ourselves and others. We might know something’s off but struggle to figure out exactly how to change it or what can be done to produce different results. Therapy offers a tailored approach to your personal development and improvement, [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.modernmft.com/do-i-need-therapy-maybe-probably-dont-we-all/">Do I need therapy? Maybe. Probably. Don’t we all?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.modernmft.com">Modern MFT</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="p1"><span class="s1">We all go through times when we feel ill-equipped to navigate a tough situation or distant from ourselves and others. We might know something’s off but struggle to figure out exactly how to change it or what can be done to produce different results.</span></p>
<p><span id="more-4514"></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Therapy offers a tailored approach to your personal development and improvement, and it provides a safe space to address a variety of concerns that are preventing you from enjoying your life to the fullest.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">As a therapist, I can tell you that many of my clients reach out because they are struggling with a major life transition, a painful relationship issue, career related concerns, or a family conflict. Other times, people reach out to improve their physical intimacy and the quality of their communication with their partners. Sometimes they come in to develop healthy coping skills and work on living in more alignment with their personal values. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Additionally, some people come in to work on wounds that were never properly cleaned or ‘disinfected’ so-to-speak, and so the work involves ‘removing the bandaid,’ tending to the damage, and re-bandaging the wound so that it can finally heal.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">To help my clients, I first listen carefully not only to their personal stories and what brings them in, but also to the many different narratives that make up their unique identities. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I walk with people for little while, holding hope, strength, and the firm belief that things can improve…</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">I founded Modern Marriage &amp; Family Therapy, PLLC to expand my capacity to help others to live fuller, more enjoyable lives by addressing issues and patterns that are acting as barriers to real connection and personal fulfillment. <strong>My  approach is based on the belief that the therapy experience should feel safe, open, honest, and constructive.</strong> I help my clients take the necessary steps to make their lives and relationships more fulfilling, productive, and easier. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">”We get together on the basis of our similarities, we grow on the basis of our differences.”</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">-Virginia Satir </span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.modernmft.com/do-i-need-therapy-maybe-probably-dont-we-all/">Do I need therapy? Maybe. Probably. Don’t we all?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.modernmft.com">Modern MFT</a>.</p>
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		<title>How to Increase Self-Compassion + Why it Matters&#8230;</title>
		<link>https://www.modernmft.com/how-to-increase-self-compassion-why-it-matters/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jennifer Uhrlass]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 24 Oct 2019 19:53:42 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Emotional Pressures]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mood + Anxiety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nurturing Hope + Resilience]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Process of Therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self-Esteem]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self-Love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trust]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.modernmft.com/?p=4512</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>For many of us, it&#8217;s usually easier to feel compassion for others. It often feels much more difficult to practice kindness toward ourselves. However, compassionate self-talk helps to promote personal growth and development. Where harsh self-talk is blaming, ignores the self and prevents change, compassionate self-talk is loving, understanding, and promotes change and personal growth. Compassionate self-talk [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.modernmft.com/how-to-increase-self-compassion-why-it-matters/">How to Increase Self-Compassion + Why it Matters&#8230;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.modernmft.com">Modern MFT</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For many of us, it&#8217;s usually easier to feel compassion for others. It often feels much more difficult to practice kindness toward ourselves. However, compassionate self-talk helps to promote personal growth and development. Where harsh self-talk is blaming, ignores the self and prevents change, compassionate self-talk is loving, understanding, and promotes change and personal growth.</p>
<p><span id="more-4512"></span><br />
Compassionate self-talk approaches the issue with kindness and curiosity. Say you are trying to eat more nutritious foods and just in general to consume more mindfully when it comes to your nourishment. Perhaps it&#8217;s been somewhat of a struggle and you are finding it tough to make good choices and stay consistent. You are actively engaged in improving this area but you recently had a really bad day in terms of food choices and being mindful.</p>
<p><strong>An example of harsh self-talk might sound like: </strong><br />
&#8220;You always do this, when are you going to get it right?&#8221; &#8220;Why can&#8217;t you just get it together when it comes to your health?&#8221;</p>
<p><strong>Compassionate self-talk sounds like:</strong><br />
&#8220;I know eating nutritious foods and being mindful of my consumption will help me to be at my best, but I&#8217;ve been off track lately. There must be reason. Maybe it&#8217;s because I&#8217;m upset about the recent argument I had with my sister this week and all of the stress I&#8217;ve been dealing with at work. Next time, when I feel the urge to deny myself of healthy nourishment, I&#8217;ll try to prevent it by looking at the motivation list I wrote in my journal to remind me why this is so important to me.&#8221;</p>
<p><strong>Ways to Increase Compassion:</strong></p>
<p>If this is really different from your typical self-talk, just try noticing what you say to yourself over this next week.</p>
<p>When you notice harsh self-talk&#8230;</p>
<p><strong>Ask yourself:</strong></p>
<p>&#8220;If I were really listening to my deepest needs, what would I say to myself?&#8221;<br />
<em>(adapted from Seeking Safety manual by Lisa Najavits)</em></p>
<ul>
<li>Try to explore the reasons underlying your behaviors
<ul>
<li>For example, if you didn&#8217;t follow through on a small promise to yourself, maybe it&#8217;s because you were in a lot of pain. If you blew a job interview, maybe it&#8217;s because you need more help and practice.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Use kinder language
<ul>
<li>Find a more gentle way of talking to yourself. For example: &#8220;I&#8217;ll never be able to change&#8221; is harsh, while &#8220;Change is a process and I have been engaging in my own healing journey and personal development&#8221; is kinder.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Imagine that you are talking to a young child who has made a mistake
<ul>
<li>How would you talk to the child with compassion? For example, you might say: &#8220;It&#8217;s okay. We all make mistakes sometimes. You&#8217;re a good person and you can keep figuring it out.&#8221;</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Experiment with compassion
<ul>
<li>Even if just for a few minutes. If it feels very difficult, you might try thought stopping as a first step: Say &#8220;stop thinking that!&#8221; loudly to yourself to break the cycle of harsh self-talk. Then try compassion.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Try practicing! In the following situations, how could you talk to yourself more compassionately?
<ul>
<li>You just got ghosted after going out with someone you really liked.</li>
<li>You had a bad argument in an important relationship and you&#8217;re feeling really angry.</li>
<li>You feel like coping in unhealthy ways because you feel lonely.</li>
<li>Your best friend gave you some tough but honest feedback that felt hard to hear.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Start small and see how it goes.</p>
<p>&#8220;You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.&#8221; -Buddha</p>
<p>Thinking about starting therapy? I&#8217;d love to help with that! Contact me for a free 15-minute consultation at 917.708.7088</p>
<p>Warmly,</p>
<p>Jennifer</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.modernmft.com/how-to-increase-self-compassion-why-it-matters/">How to Increase Self-Compassion + Why it Matters&#8230;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.modernmft.com">Modern MFT</a>.</p>
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		<title>Therapy is a Workout for Your Emotions</title>
		<link>https://www.modernmft.com/therapy-is-a-workout-for-your-emotions/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jennifer Uhrlass]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 15 Oct 2019 01:32:19 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Emotional Pressures]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mood + Anxiety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Process of Therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self-Esteem]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self-Love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trauma]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.modernmft.com/?p=4499</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>“Therapy is like a workout for your emotions,” said a client when describing her perspective on the process of therapy. While we shared a little laugh over her insightful comparison, it was interesting to think about the real truth behind it. For many, there is often an acknowledgment that something needs to shift, but the [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.modernmft.com/therapy-is-a-workout-for-your-emotions/">Therapy is a Workout for Your Emotions</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.modernmft.com">Modern MFT</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="p1"><span class="s1">“Therapy is like a workout for your emotions,” said a client when describing her perspective on the process of therapy. While we shared a little laugh over her insightful comparison, it was interesting to think about the real truth behind it.</span></p>
<p><span id="more-4499"></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">For many, there is often an acknowledgment that something needs to shift, but the challenge is to identify and work through the issue(s) in a way that helps you to assume greater responsibility for what you truly desire out of life. While it might be tempting to push aside your difficult feelings, I would encourage you to trust that those emotions are trying to communicate something important to you.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">We all experience times when we feel discouraged, overwhelmed, and uncertain. We can be quite accomplished in many aspects of life and simultaneously continue to struggle in other important areas including our relationships or our ability to cope (in healthy ways) with difficulties. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Sometimes old and unproductive narratives get in the way of living life to the fullest. Other times, a past experience or a problematic relationship pattern impedes our ability to be present with ourselves and others in a way that aligns with our goals for real connection and a lasting sense of well-being. Our attempts to “deal” with our discomfort can sometimes lead us down a destructive path that all too often takes us further away from the life we truly desire. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">We often try to convince ourselves: &#8220;if only I was more of this or that, I wouldn&#8217;t have this problem.&#8221; Frequently, we use harsh narratives in regard to ourselves, we say things like: &#8220;successful people have it figured out&#8221; or &#8220;only people with major issues go to therapy.” </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Well, that’s not true. Not at all! Those narratives aren’t helping anyone. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Therapy provides a safe space to learn about yourself, challenge unproductive patterns, and develop new and more effective ways to connect and cope with life’s difficulties. Although it&#8217;s tempting to search for a quick and easy fix, I believe there is tremendous value in dedicating the appropriate time and energy to identifying your most important priorities, working through relationship difficulties, and overcoming patterns that are no longer in alignment with your truest self. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">While therapy often involves a focus on reducing symptoms related to commonly experienced problems, it can also provide a space to help you address long-standing unproductive patterns that are getting in the way of feeling more fulfilled and becoming the best version of yourself. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><b>Don&#8217;t let the stigma of therapy prevent you from addressing important concerns in your life.</b></span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">When we feel connected to others, appreciated for our unique strengths, and capable of living in alignment with our values, we can operate from a place of emotional generosity and contribute to our relationships and the world in meaningful and authentic ways.</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Jennifer Uhrlass, LMFT</span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.modernmft.com/therapy-is-a-workout-for-your-emotions/">Therapy is a Workout for Your Emotions</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.modernmft.com">Modern MFT</a>.</p>
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		<title>The Benefits of Therapy&#8230;</title>
		<link>https://www.modernmft.com/intro-to-therapy/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jennifer Uhrlass]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 06 Sep 2019 20:47:19 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Communication/ Conflict]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Couples]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dating]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Desire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Emotional Pressures]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family-of-Origin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Process of Therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self-Esteem]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self-Love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transition to Parenthood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[change]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[personal growth]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[process of therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[resilience]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.modernmft.com/?p=4333</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Everyone goes through times when they feel discouraged, overwhelmed, and uncertain. Or, times when they are struggling in important relationships &#8211; whether with parents, siblings, friends, co-workers, or partners. Therapy can help by allowing you the space to explore the source of the struggle(s)&#8230;to heal&#8230;to feel encouraged, to take action, and build hope about what’s [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.modernmft.com/intro-to-therapy/">The Benefits of Therapy&#8230;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.modernmft.com">Modern MFT</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="s1">Everyone goes through times when they feel discouraged, overwhelmed, and uncertain. Or, times when they are struggling in important relationships &#8211; whether with parents, siblings, friends, co-workers, or partners. Therapy can help by allowing you the space to explore the source of the struggle(s)&#8230;to heal&#8230;to feel encouraged, to take action, and build hope about what’s possible for the future.</span></p>
<p><span id="more-4333"></span></p>
<h2>Reasons for Therapy</h2>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">While mental and emotional health should be considered on par with taking care of one’s physical health, these critical needs are commonly overlooked and neglected. <strong>Exploring where we are stuck and addressing issues proactively is no doubt challenging work.</strong> As a therapist, it has been really wonderful to see that we are experiencing an exciting cultural shift as the stigma of therapy is reduced and more and more people pursue therapy and experience the many benefits. </span></p>
<h2 class="p1"><span class="s1">Healthy Relationships &amp; Optimal Health</span></h2>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">While many people can acknowledge that the quality of life is greatly influenced by the quality of our relationships, individuals often struggle alone for many years before seeking professional help. It is especially typical for couples to allow conflicts to worsen significantly before seeking the appropriate treatment. In fact, <strong>relationship research completed at the Gottman Institute shows that most couples wait on average, seven years from the onset of a problem before reaching out.</strong> So it&#8217;s a great idea to address issues as they present in life and not let them worsen significantly. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Often, we know something is off with how we are going about life and we know we want it to feel better, but we just haven&#8217;t considered therapy as an option &#8211; maybe we aren&#8217;t that familiar with it, or it just seems out of reach in some way. Often, people find they come to therapy when it simply doesn&#8217;t feel like an option not to. Usually, there is some sort of incident or experience that happened that finally triggers the action of actually calling and making an appointment. </span></p>
<h2 class="p1"><span class="s1">Emotional Health &amp; Wellness is Rooted in Our Ability to Connect&#8230;</span></h2>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>Meaningful connection to others is a key component of a happy life. However, we can all agree that life and relationships are messy at times.</strong> We know that despite being digitally connected to many people, loneliness is at an all time high in our current culture. A person can be quite accomplished in many aspects of life and simultaneously continue to struggle in other important areas including their relationships or ability to cope (in healthy ways) with life&#8217;s diverse challenges. Often, we can get into a damaging pattern of putting ourselves/ our needs last. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>Therapy is a safe space to discuss what&#8217;s really happening in your life.</strong> It naturally provides accountability so that abstract future goals can begin to take shape and action steps can be taken. It offers personalized support, guidance, and encouragement to help you design and implement a better plan for yourself moving forward. Many of my clients report a significant increase in clarity from therapy, or this feeling that what was keeping them stuck in some sort of struggle is somehow lifted. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Therapy also provides the added benefit of more lasting results &#8211; so that the issues and frustrating moments that a person is currently experiencing can become much easier to handle and connection with others feels easier and less stressful. </span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Whether you are addressing relationship conflict or problematic patterns of anxiety or avoidance in relationships, dealing with destructive anger, developing healthier coping skills, or finding the courage to make a significant change in your life, therapy can help.</span></p>
<h2 class="p1"><span class="s1">The Therapy Experience is Unique to Each Individual&#8230;</span></h2>
<blockquote>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>The therapy room is a special place. It&#8217;s where a person can feel free to share what&#8217;s really going on in their life without fear of judgement. It&#8217;s where healing happens and resilience is strengthened. I love being a therapist because I get to develop a very unique and special kind of healing relationship that ultimately enables my clients to live a happier, more fulfilling life.</strong></span></p>
</blockquote>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Whether I&#8217;m working with an individual or a couple, the therapy room is a vibrant place. Sometimes there is an emphasis on creating major change over an extended period of time and other times, therapy is used more intensively on a short term basis (I often do this type of work in the form of my Modern Accelerated Programs.)</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Relationship conflict, disconnection, frustration, and struggles around coping doesn&#8217;t have to stay problematic. With a desire to grow and a willingness to put in the effort, you can create a more fulfilling future. Many of my clients are adults in their 30s, and 40s who are dealing with relationship stressors, the process of dating and discovering what kind of relationships feel most fulfilling to them or are looking to enhance their ability to cope with stressful challenges and major life transitions in healthier ways. </span></p>
<blockquote>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong>Sometimes in looking more closely at their days, people realize that there are certain patterns that they are engaging in that really aren&#8217;t serving them or bringing them closer to the kind of life they most want to live.</strong></span></p>
</blockquote>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Through therapy, we uncover the source of the struggles and work together to create healing, peace and fulfillment so that life feels easier.</span></p>
<p>If you know you want to go to therapy, but are struggling with the idea of how to make space during the work week for the recurring appointment, <a href="https://www.glamour.com/story/how-to-talk-to-your-boss-about-your-mental-health">this article</a> provides a lot of valuable and helpful information regarding how to approach work about taking an extended lunch (for therapy) or allowing you to leave work early for therapy. While each person&#8217;s situation is different in terms of the flexibility they have access to, it is helpful to be aware of possible barriers and how to address them. Since therapy requires a weekly time commitment, it&#8217;s helpful to plan ahead and be prepared to advocate for yourself should you need to use part of your work day (one day a week) for personal development.</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">If you&#8217;d like to get started in therapy, I would be happy to talk with you. I can be reached at 917.708.7088 to schedule a session. I look forward to having the opportunity to work with you!</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Warmly,</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Jennifer Uhrlass, Licensed Marriage &amp; Family Therapist</span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.modernmft.com/intro-to-therapy/">The Benefits of Therapy&#8230;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.modernmft.com">Modern MFT</a>.</p>
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