Question 1

Can you explain Internal Family Systems (IFS)?

Accepted Answer

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a transformative, evidence-based psychotherapy model. It views the mind as naturally multiple, with each part holding valuable qualities. Our core Self knows how to heal, helping us become integrated and whole. In IFS, all parts are welcome. For more information, here's a description from its founder, Richard Schwartz.

Question 2

How is family therapy different and how can I benefit from attending family therapy/counseling?

Accepted Answer

Family therapy aims to promote understanding and collaboration among family members in order to solve the problems of one or more individuals. For example, if a child is having social and academic problems, therapy will focus on the family patterns that may influence the child's acting out, rather than only looking at the child's behavior. As the family uncovers the source of the challenge, they can learn to support the child and other family members and work proactively on minimizing or altering the conditions that contribute to the challenging behavior.

Question 3

How can I benefit from attending individual therapy/counseling?

Accepted Answer

The benefits of therapy can be relief of symptoms such as anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions.  Therapy can also result in increased awareness and insight, better expression of and management of emotions and the development of a plan of action to address an ongoing concern or challenge.

Question 4

How does group therapy work?

Accepted Answer

Group therapy involves a small number of people meeting together under the guidance of a professionally trained therapist. It creates a safe, supportive, and cohesive space to address personal, relationship, and societal issues. Different approaches exist, but all aim to help members support each other and grow together. (Source: AGPA)

Question 5

Who can benefit from group therapy?

Accepted Answer

Group therapy can benefit people of different ages, sexual orientations, gender identities, and race, cultural and ethnic backgrounds who want help with specific concerns, such as depression, anxiety, serious medical illness, loss, addictive disorders, or behavioral challenges. In addition, group can benefit those seeking self-development by providing a safe environment in which to learn and grow.  (Source: AGPA)

Question 6

How does group work?

Accepted Answer

Group therapy provides a place where you come together with others to share problems or concerns, to better understand your own situation, and to learn from and with each other. Under the leadership of a therapist, you will learn about yourself and improve your relationships with other people. You will gain self-understanding and skills for dealing with your concerns. In a typical session, which lasts about 60-120 minutes, members work to express their own challenges and aspirations, feelings, ideas, and reactions as freely and honestly as possible. Groups are held both online, and you can speak with the therapist about what they offer. Members learn not only to understand themselves and their own issues but also become therapeutic helpers for other group members. (Source: AGPA)

Question 7

How is group therapy different from support groups and self-help groups?

Accepted Answer

Group therapy is different from support and self-help groups in that it not only helps people cope with their problems but also provides opportunities for change and growth. Group therapy focuses on relationships, helping you learn how to get along better with other people under the guidance of a trained professional. In contrast, support groups, which may or may not have professional leadership, help people cope with difficult situations  but are usually geared toward alleviating symptoms, rather than addressing underlying patterns. Similarly, self-help groups usually focus on a particular shared symptom or situation and are usually not led by a trained therapist.

Question 8

Why is group therapy unique and powerful?

Accepted Answer

Group therapy is unique because it mirrors our daily interactions, allowing you to see that you're not alone. You'll meet others, share feedback, and work together on common issues. This microcosm of the larger world helps process changes in our internal and external environments. It's a space to explore and define your presence in various spheres, experiencing the confluence of race, class, and gender. (Source: AGPA)

Question 9

Will there be people with similar concerns in my group?

Accepted Answer

The therapist's role is to evaluate each person prior to forming the group. In the groups that I offer, the other participants will have a shared experience and/or identity.

Question 10

What if I'm uncomfortable with others in my group?

Accepted Answer

It is normal to have questions or concerns about joining a group. What am I going to get out of this? Will there be enough time to deal with my own problems in a group setting? What if I don’t like the people in my group? What if I’m uncomfortable discussing my problems in front of others? Some people feel uneasy or embarrassed when first joining a group, but they soon begin to develop feelings of trust and belonging. Most people find that group therapy provides a great deal of relief because it allows them a chance to talk with others in a private, confidential setting. (Source: AGPA)

Question 11

Is group therapy covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Typically, group therapy is less costly than individual therapy. The groups that I offer are therapeutic groups and are thus are often covered by insurance (see the list of insurances that I take).

Question 12

What is the difference between a social worker, psychiatrist, and psychologist?"

Accepted Answer

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treatment mental illness.  A psychiatrist is licensed to write prescriptions, and often focused on medication management.  Some psychiatrist provide therapy, but they often refer to another therapist or mental health professional for ongoing talk therapy.
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A psychologist has a doctoral degree in psychology.  Licensed psychologists are qualified to do counseling and perform psychological testing.  They are not medical doctors and are not permitted to write prescriptions.
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A Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) has at least a masters degree in social work and training to be able to evaluate and treatment mental illness.  To be licensed at the independent level a social worker must have completed at least two years of post-graduate clinical work under the supervision of an LICSW, and must pass an advanced state licensing exam.

Merrimack River Wellness

Licensed in MA, ME, CT, VT & NH

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