Neeta Shetty (M.Phil)

Who goes to therapy?

People seek psychotherapy (a.k.a. therapy or counseling) for many reasons. Some people are unhappy, sad, and depressed; or they feel anxious and overwhelmed. Some people struggle with unfulfilling relationships and unhealthy patterns of behavior; or they feel “stuck” in life and not sure of the next step. Some people are struggling to come to terms with grief and loss; or they are trying to make sense of past personal and family experiences. Whatever your reason is for seeking therapy, you are not alone. All too often there is a negative stigma attached to seeking support through therapy. However, the reality is that therapy can be a very helpful and successful way to address your concerns.
 

What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy is a collaborative process in which we will work together to identify your reasons for seeking treatment and find ways that you can meet your goals. The first few visits (typically 1-3) are typically spent gathering information about your reasons for seeking out therapy as well as background information about you. They will also be a time when we both assess whether or not we are a good fit to address your current concerns since establishing a professional therapeutic relationship is a mutual decision.

How will psychotherapy help me?

Psychotherapy can help you to better understand your past, present, and future. It can help you develop New Insights into yourself, your relationships with people, and the world around you. Additionally, you can develop new coping skills, find solutions to problems, discover increased self-awareness, and develop a better awareness of your needs and how to get your needs met. You might begin to better understand how negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence your life in an unhealthy manner, and ways that you can begin to substitute healthier ways of being in the world. 

What can I expect from therapy?

The process of therapy can assist you in addressing your concerns, resolving personal difficulties, and trying new ways of being in the world by developing additional skills, attitudes, and knowledge. Therapy can help you live a more positive and productive life. You can expect a collaborative process in which we explore unique aspects of you including your family history, work history, relationships, social history, physical health, culture, religion/spirituality, and other areas. During the first few therapy sessions, we will work to identify your goals for seeking treatment and ways to help you achieve your goals over the course of our work together.

What are the benefits and risks of therapy?

Therapy has been shown to have benefits. Therapy can often lead to better relationships, solutions to specific problems, and decreased feelings of anxiety, depression, and sadness. Many people find that having a safe, consistent, and validating place to come and explore themselves is a very rewarding and meaningful experience. You may also experience an increased awareness of your emotions, a better understanding of past experiences, and resolutions to ongoing patterns of unhealthy behaviors. There can also be risks to therapy. Therapy often involves discussing unpleasant aspects of your life which may result in uncomfortable feelings like sadness, guilt, anger, frustration, loneliness, and helplessness. Entering into therapy is a very individual experience and thus, there are no guarantees of what you will or will not experience. However, we will work together to try and maximize the gains that you get from coming to therapy. 

How long are therapy sessions?

Therapy sessions are 60 minutes in length. 

How frequent are therapy sessions?

Therapy sessions are typically once per week; at least initially, so as to allow us to develop our working relationship and understand your reasons for seeking out therapy.

How long will I be in therapy?

This will vary from person to person and will depend on your current concerns. We will work together to determine the optimal length of treatment for you depending on your current circumstances. We will work to maximize the returns of the time that you do spend in therapy so as to be mindful of the cost.

What is confidentiality?

Confidentiality means that what we discuss during your therapy sessions will not be disclosed to others without your written permission. However, clients should be aware that there are some exceptions to confidentiality, including: (1) if you are at imminent risk to harm yourself or another person, I am required by law to try to protect you or someone else by informing appropriate individuals to maintain safety; (2) if you disclose information pertaining to child or elder abuse, I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities; and (3) if I receive a court-order for your clinical record or to testify in court. These are rare situations, but it is important for you to understand the limits of confidentiality. I will make every effort to discuss such situations before taking action.

What if I think I need medication or other medical services?

I recommend that my clients work with a physician of their choice who can attend to their ongoing medical needs. With your written permission, I can coordinate your care with your physician. I can also provide referrals to a psychiatrist who can discuss medication options with you as part of your treatment.

What is your style as a therapist?

My style can best be described as kind, warm, caring, compassionate, and dedicated to working with my clients in a collaborative manner. I value the therapeutic relationship and emphasize honest, open, and direct communication throughout the therapeutic process. I believe in identifying my client’s strengths and assets as well as addressing areas of growth. My theoretical orientation can best be described as behavioral therapy with an emphasis on multicultural and developmental factors. I strive to help each one of my clients give voice to their unique qualities and experiences. That being said, I uniquely tailor my therapeutic approach to the needs of each client and do not approach therapy in a “cookbook” manner. I will often incorporate a variety of approaches into the therapeutic process.

How do I schedule a time to meet with you?

I meet with clients by appointment only. In order to schedule an appointment with me please call me up on my mobile numbers