What is counseling or therapy?

Therapy involves collaboration between therapists and clients to comprehend concerns and develop strategies for addressing psychological issues.

A beginner’s guide to mental health!

What is therapy?

Therapy, often referred to as counseling or psychotherapy, entails engaging in meaningful conversations with a counselor or therapist to address concerns encompassing our behaviors, beliefs, emotions, interpersonal issues, and/or physical sensations. Initiating therapy is a pivotal step towards embodying the healthiest version of oneself and unlocking one's full potential, regardless of the obstacles encountered. Through therapy, one can modify or transform detrimental behaviors and habits, alleviate emotional distress, enhance interpersonal connections, and achieve much more.

While it is impossible to predict the exact nature of your therapeutic journey, all therapy modalities involve setting goals and delineating the steps required to attain them. Therapy sessions consistently concentrate not only on the topics discussed but also on the process and progress of the therapy itself.

Atreef Therapy

Understanding Psychotherapy

For a healthy mind and body, talk to a therapist.

When you reach a point in your life or need professional help, you want to talk to someone you can trust and feel comfortable with. A good friend can always listen, but a counselor has the skills and professional training to help you learn to manage your emotions when you're overwhelmed.

Different approaches in therapy

A good therapist generally draws on one or more theories of psychotherapy to guide them through the process of understanding clients and their concerns while working together to develop solutions.

Types of Therapists

Different types of therapists.

  • Addiction therapists

  • Child therapists

  • Art therapists

  • Yoga therapists

  • Massage therapists

  • Music therapists

  • Marriage and family therapists

  • Occupational therapists

  • Psychotherapists

  • Physical therapists

Psychotherapists come from very diverse disciplines, including psychiatric nurses, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Many therapists specialize in a particular area of expertise such as:

  • Community mental health

  • Behavioral disorders

  • School and career

  • Substance abuse

  • Rehabilitation

You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.

— Maya Angelou

What to consider?

The choice of your therapist

A positive relationship between a therapist and you is one factor that predicts a successful therapy outcome. When you are looking to choose a therapist, you should always consider:

  1. Your personal factors

    • Are you comfortable speaking to a male or female?

    • Is the age of your therapist important to you?

    • Is the race/ethnicity/nationality of your therapist important to you?

    • Are there personality quirks that may make it difficult to work with or trust your therapist?

  2. Financial factors

    • Does your therapist accept insurance?

    • Does your insurance plan cover your mental health treatment? If so, is your therapist in-network with your insurer?

    • Are you willing, or are you able to pay out of pocket? If so, what type of payment is accepted by your therapist?

    • Is the therapist willing or able to offer pro-bono services or sliding-scale discounts?

  3. Educational and licensing factors

  4. Is your therapist currently licensed to practice in your state?

  5. Has your therapist ever been disciplined for inappropriate practice?

    • Ask your therapist about his or her education, training experiences, and even their continuing education.

    • Does your therapist specialize in the problem you are trying to address?

    • Does your therapist have experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds?

    • Does your therapist practice a type of therapy that is evidence-based?

  6. Feasibility factors

    • Is your therapist's location easily accessible/convenient, safe, and clean?

    • Do the hours work with your schedule?

    • Is it easy to reach your therapist or other staff members by phone?

    • Does your therapist speak your preferred language?

Meet Your Therapist

Ehsan Adib Shabahang M.S., NCC, LPC

As a compassionate licensed professional counselor, I've worked with more than thousands of clients nationwide.

I'm honored to support your journey toward self-discovery and understanding your values. My goal is to help you enhance your well-being, strengthen connections, and appreciate yourself in harmony with AtReef Counseling's mission. I'm committed to accompanying you on this transformative path, nurturing growth, and celebrating milestones.