FAQs

I’ve never talked to anyone. I’ve always handled things on my own. Isn’t it weakness or a moral failing to go to therapy?

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and, in fact, it truly takes courage to reach out. In our work together, you’ll explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems and challenges you may be facing.

What’s the difference between talking to a therapist versus a trusted friend or family member?

The key differences come down to objectivity, confidentiality, and professional training. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that what you confide could affect your relationship. Working with a professional who isn’t a part of your everyday life alleviates this possible problem.

Can’t I just take medication and be done with it?

Medication can help, and it is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy. It is right for some situations, and not for others. A qualified psychiatrist or other health professional trained in pharmacology can help determine usefulness of medication. That said, one thing medication will not do is fix or solve the problem all on its own. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the challenges you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.

Ok, so how does therapy work?

At the Center for Psychological Freedom, we take the collaborative approach. While we have worked and trained for many years to gain expertise in psychological science, you are still the best expert on you. You can expect that any service we offer honors this and seeks to draw on the best of our knowledge with what you come with – years of experience being you.

How long does change take?

Everyone’s circumstances are unique. The length of time our services can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the circumstances that are compelling you to seek our services.

Can therapy help with chronic health conditions?

Mind and body are known to be intertwined. Mindset can both directly and indirectly affect the course of health challenges. From immediate stress or relaxation effects that directly impact the condition, to uncovering obstacles that get in the way of your efforts at following medical regimens, our health improvement consultation services can support your journey to the best possible health outcomes.

What is collaborative assessment?

Collaborative assessment is a semi-structured, high-powered intervention that uses psychological tests as “empathy magnifiers” to efficiently and deeply uncover the sources of psychological difficulty. From there, it helps you with a new understanding of your life story and circumstance that can fuel your efforts moving forward. Please see our collaborative assessment page for more detail.

How many people are in a group? Do you follow COVID-19 precautions?

Until the current pandemic conditions subside, we are limiting all group activities to virtual-only, via Zoom. Much like individual therapy, studies now indicate similar effectiveness between virtual and in-person group therapy. As we are able, we will begin to offer in-person groups, as we are looking forward to welcoming people to our new space.

Therapy groups (interpersonal process groups as well as specific-focus groups such as social anxiety) are generally most effective with a limit of approximately 8-9 people. Workshops that are more instructive may have larger numbers of people in attendance.

Do you take insurance?

Dr. Grossman is an in-network provider for Medicare Part B (standard Medicare not including Advantage programs). He is an out-of-network provider for all commercial insurance policies. Please see our insurance information page for more information.