Frequently Asked Questions
Please call or email to see if therapy can help you with your goals.
Phone: (240)-388-9333 | Email: contact@therapeutictseng.com
What is therapy?
Therapy is a tool to help you get where you want to go. As therapists, we work with you to create goals for yourself, your relationship, or your family. The therapy we practice is oriented towards helping you make real changes. Some techniques we use are focused in the present and the future, such as assigning homework to help you try new habits and routines to move you closer to your goal. Some techniques involve examining the past, because the way the past is interpreted can influence your ability to move forward in the future. Therapy is meant to be supportive, and at times we may address uncomfortable feelings. We believe exploring these feelings can lead to long-term therapeutic growth.
What is a marriage and family therapist?
A marriage and family therapist is trained to treat individuals, couples, and families within the context of their relationships. Relationships can be between two people or can also be the relationship that an individual has with their culture or community. Using a systemic framework allows the marriage and family therapist to consider additional layers of the presenting problem. Marriage and family therapists treat similar issues as other mental health professionals do, such as depression, relationship problems, anxiety, child-parent problems, and low self-esteem.
What frequency of sessions is right for me?
Weekly sessions: recommended for clients looking to actively address an issue.
Biweekly sessions: recommended for clients who are phasing down from weekly after experiencing a reduction in symptoms. Biweekly is also a good option for those who want to spend more time in between sessions implementing change.
Monthly: recommended for clients who phasing down from biweekly to do monthly check-ins.
What kinds of results will I see?
We cannot guarantee any specific results from therapy, but common client outcomes have been:
- • Fewer arguments
- • Improved self-esteem
- • Positive mood and mindset changes
- • Renewed motivation to focus on self-growth
- • More effective communication
- • Healing from an affair
- • Decrease in defensiveness
- • Couples feel they understand each other better
- • A strong ‘team-work’ mentality among couples
Why should I choose a culturally competent therapist?
In my personal experience, I have encountered therapists who will say “I don’t understand what culture has to do with your mental health”. Choosing a culturally competent therapist ensures that your therapist will acknowledge that your cultural upbringing influences your outlook on life and will not marginalize your lived experience. Our culture/race is not an aspect we can easily hide and our lives can be unfairly impacted by labeling, stereotyping, or discrimination. A culturally competent therapist tries to understand this experience, and if they do not personally experience it, they will try to validate your experience as true for you.