Top #5 Truths about Psychotherapy in South Pasadena

When thinking of the bustling populated Los Angeles county, one doesn’t usually think of South Pasadena as being a part of it. That’s because as cities go, South Pasadena tends to stand out on it’s own, so much so that it even separated out from Pasadena to develop its own identity. Amidst the beautiful homes, tree-lined streets and a public school that puts even private schools to shame, it can be easy to find many Psychologists who look and sound great on paper. Maybe you are in the same boat and finding a counselor in South Pasadena.. Perhaps you’ve even narrowed down the search to a handful by speaking to some of them and they all seemed nice. 

Making that call to a South Pasadena Psychologist or counselor is usually a daunting task and thus, you may not have the opportunity to go over every question you have.  If you are a cultural minority such as Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color (BIPOC), a religious minority, have a learning disability (ADD etc.) or identify as LGBTQ+, then asking Psychologists about whether they practice cultural humility will likely also be of utmost importance. Not all psychotherapy in South Pasadena is multicultural. 

If you are feeling anxious, nervous or even feeling a sense of dread, that would be completely understandable! You might even be on the verge of calling a psychologist, counselor, social worker or coach, and then fear creeps up. That’s because as humans we are afraid of that which we know nothing of. Also known as the fear of the unknown. Not too many people talk about their experience with therapy although so many have gone to see a Psychologist or a therapist at some point. Then how are you to find out some integral aspects of therapy to see how you fit in the picture. Well, fear not young jedi! I will be breaking down #5 Truths or Facts about Therapy: 

1. Psychologists, therapists and counselors do not prescribe medications.

Psychiatrists are the only mental health professional who prescribes medications. But they are not trained in psychotherapy in medical school.

Psychologists, though, are extensively trained in providing therapy (usually 4-6 years after Bachelors’ deg!).

2. Psychotherapy is NOT the same as just talking to someone about your problems

I cannot stress how important it is to understand this. If psychotherapy was as simple as just talking through an issue with someone, why would it be a science with evidence to back up different modalities that work?

People who’ve attended years of psychotherapy can see how transformative their changes are. I.e. they can tell how far they have some, even though how that happened might still be a mystery to them.

3. Cancellations or coming late are usually indicative of something else

You might have done this yourself, or you will ! Canceling, showing up late and pretty often that it individuates a pattern, is quite normal.

Therapy is hard emotional work and we don’t always feel up for it. Or other fears, ambivalence or trust issues arise

4. There are many different types of psychotherapy treatments

Our mind and behaviors are complex. So, there are many methods of achieving the type of change one needs or wants.

Treatment modalities are backed by scientific proof that they work.

Ultimately, whether therapy is a success doesn’t have much to do with the type of modality since they all pretty much work.

5. A therapeutic good fit is the most important aspect to consider

All modalities work but that doesn’t mean all modalities will work for you.

The best way to gauge whether you are moving towards the type of change you want in your therapy, is simply by looking at one thing: Trust.

If the therapist you are seeing is someone you feel safe, comfortable and at ease with (even starting from the phone call sometimes), then this therapist/therapy is the right fit for you. Even if you don’t trust your therapist now, if you can see yourself trusting them eventually, that is good enough. Especially if trust issues are one of your major concerns. (it would be odd jumping in & fully trusting a stranger right from the beginning).

I hope this helps you find the right psychologist in South Pasadena. If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to call me at (626) 594-5353 for a free 15-minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for help with depression, anxiety, trauma/ PTSD, BIPOC or racial/ethnic minority experiences, LGBTQ+ or sexual/gender identity focus or Couples’ Therapy/ Marital Counseling you can read more about how I can help http:www.MentalWealthInc.com.