It’s completely normal to have lots of questions—especially if you’re new to therapy or exploring couples counselling for the first time. Don’t worry. Below is a list of common questions we’ve encountered over the years. You are not alone in feeling unsure.
Please feel free to book a free 20-minute consultation to see if therapy feels right for you, and if working with Azizeh Rezaiyan is a good fit for what you’re looking for. This experience is for you, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Years of study and experience counseling in different countries and cultures around the world has given Azizeh a unique perspective in addressing male depression and the role society plays in establishing unhealthy and unachievable standards. She asks directive questions to help you learn practical coping techniques that you can apply the moment you leave the office. By identifying emotional and self-damaging triggers it is possible to transform your thought patterns so they become more realistic and empowering. In this way, sessions help you get to know yourself better.
Azizeh won’t tell you about yourself, but she will provide thoughtful feedback and empower you to confidently choose your own path.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you’ve faced, there’s nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you’re at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
A number of benefits are available from participating in couples therapy, individual therapy and family mediation. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creative blocks. Therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly).
It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process – such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives and take responsibility for their lives.
Therapy is completely confidential, so unless you choose to share this information no one will know. It’s common for people with depression to struggle with low self-esteem and fear of judgment. It is important to remember you are not alone in dealing with depression. In sessions, Azizeh provides a non-judgmental, secure environment where you can openly discuss other difficult thoughts and emotions.
To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is call them. Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers. Some helpful questions you can ask them:
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist’s office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
Azizeh Rezaiyan is a licensed marriage and family therapist with 27 years of experience in the Silicon Valley area, providing marriage counseling and couples therapy, including guidance with infidelity and mental or emotional aspects of sex-related issues.
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