Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Kirsten Tchida, MA, answers commonly misunderstood questions about mental health
Why do I have to have a diagnosis, why can’t I just say being a human is hard and that be enough?
Yes, being human and working through family relationships is generally hard enough! The diagnosis is essentially what we need to have services covered by insurance. Many therapists will say they wish we could just bypass the diagnosis and get right to providing services. That being said, many people do find comfort in having a diagnosis noting that “hmmm now things make sense” or “I’m actually not crazy, this is a real thing others experience too!”
Everyone I research has all these letters after their name, aren’t all therapists the same? Or why would I pick one over the other?
This can be very confusing when researching providers! In Minnesota you will typically see LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker), LPCC (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor), and LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) to name a few. These are areas of focus that are typically determined by which graduate program an individual chooses. Requirements for licensure are fairly similar and each track can provide psychotherapy.
If I am given a diagnosis does that mean I will have it for life?
This seems like the classic “can people really change” question! Full disclosure, this may vary depending on the provider and diagnosis. Every person comes into the door with a wide array of life experiences and current circumstances. The thing to remember is a diagnostic assessment or “diagnosis” is a snapshot in time. While you may meet criteria for a depression diagnosis in your 20’s, you may not meet full criteria for that same diagnosis in your 30s. For others maybe it is a lifelong diagnosis with ups and downs. That is the wonderfully frustrating thing about being a human. A diagnosis does not need to define your life. For example, I’ll tell my clients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder “your anxious brain will likely be with you most of your life, but you have control over the intensity and frequency of your symptoms based on how you decide to manage it.”
So, can people change? If you are open to feedback and reflection and are generally curious about how you interact with people and the world, yes absolutely people can change their lives for the better.
What should I look for when trying to find a therapist?
Find someone who you are excited to share your successes with and alternatively find someone that you are comfortable with admitting your mistakes. Find a therapist with a sense of humor. Cliche as it may be laughter is truly the best medicine and a wonderful way to build a lasting, working relationship. Therapy does not have to be all serious business all the time.
Therapy has come a long way from just laying on a couch and talking with an expression-less psychotherapist who is the “expert”. Always remember, therapists are people too. Yes, even your therapist loses their temper in traffic and certainly does not utilize their coping skills 100% of the time.
How long does “treatment” usually last?
Treatment can last from 2 months to many years. I’d like to say that you are in charge of your own treatment, however for some clients that is not always the case. Some individuals come to therapy “court ordered” or at the request of a parent or spouse.
Working with your therapist to develop your own goals for therapy and having the courage to be vulnerable in session, you will work your therapist out of a job. Closing therapy services is bittersweet for therapists and clients, it means we did all the work we were supposed to but also means that a relationship has come to an end.
Is there a minimal amount of time I should see a therapist before deciding they are not a good fit?
There is no magic number. I would say give the therapist some time to complete the diagnostic assessment and treatment plan in the beginning stages. This is the most boring part of my job but it does take some time to gather all the information. Once that initial stage is complete, at least stick with them for 3-4 sessions. On that note, I always reiterate with my clients “if you are not clicking with me, do not hesitate to find another therapist”. We are here to help you and if we are not the one for you its okay, we can take it. Do not ever worry about disappointing us or hurting our feelings. You are in control of your treatment, your choices, and your happiness.
Kirsten Tchida is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. While she has worked across many programs, including in home, outpatient, and social based, her passion is working with children. Currently, she is providing therapy services at a local high school, helping students navigate the pressures of school, peers, family, and career planning. Kirsten is also qualified to provide supervision, a necessary component for new therapists to become licensed in the state of Minnesota. When life allows, her self care plan includes walking her dog with a cup of coffee and a podcast.