FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy 

Everything You Want to Know Before Starting Therapy

Choosing a therapist is an important decision. Whether you're experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, perfectionism, burnout, grief or major life transitions, this page answers many of the questions people commonly ask before beginning therapy. 

How do I know if I need therapy?

You don't have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. 

Many people begin therapy because they feel overwhelmed, anxious, emotionally exhausted, stuck or disconnected from the life they want. Others come because they're struggling with stress, relationship challenges, grief or major life changes.

If your emotional well-being is affecting your relationships, work, ability to enjoy life or function on the level you're used to, therapy can provide support, practical tools and a place to better understand what you're experiencing.   

Why do I feel anxious even when my life is going well?

This is one of the most common questions I hear. Many people assume anxiety only happens when something is "wrong." In reality, anxiety can exist even when life looks successful from the outside.

High expectations, perfectionism, chronic stress, overthinking, past experiences and constantly feeling the need to perform on a higher level or be responsible for others can all contribute to ongoing anxiety. 

Therapy can help you understand these patterns and develop healthier ways of responding so anxiety no longer controls your daily life. 

I look successful on the outside but feel overwhelmed inside? Why?

You may be an overachiever, have a successful career, care deeply about your relationships and appear confident to everyone around you, yet privately struggle with constant worry, emotional exhaustion, self-doubt or the feeling you're never doing enough. 

Don't wait until you're falling apart to ask for help. Therapy can help you move from simply functioning on "auto drive" to feeling more balanced and fulfilled. 

What is high functioning anxiety?

High-functioning anxiety isn't a formal diagnosis, but it's a term many people use to describe living with significant anxiety while continuing to meet responsibilities and appear capable.

You might: 

• Constantly overthink
• Struggle to relax
• Fear making mistakes
• Hold yourself to impossible standards
• Feel guilty when resting
• Worry about disappointing others

Therapy can help you understand these patterns and develop healthier ways of managing anxiety without losing the qualities that make you successful.

What's the difference between stress, burnout and anxiety?

Although these experiences overlap, they aren't the same. 

Stress is usually a response to current demands and often improves when those demands decrease or life transitions becomes more manageable.

Burnout develops after prolonged periods of chronic stress and may include emotional exhaustion, cynicism, feeling detached or losing motivation. 

Anxiety often involves excessive worry, physical symptoms, racing thoughts and fear that continues even when circumstances improve. 

Understanding which experience you're having helps guide the most effective treatment. 

Can therapy help adults with ADHD?

Yes. We start by taking the "shame" out of a diagnosis.

Adult ADHD often affects organization, time management, emotional regulation, procrastination and self-confidence--not just attention.  

Therapy can help you understand how ADHD affects your daily life while developing strategies that work with your strengths. 

Will therapy really help if I've been anxious for years? 

Absolutely. Many people worry they've been anxious for so long that nothing will change. 

The good news is that anxiety patterns can change. Through evidence-based therapy, you'll learn skills to respond differently to anxious thoughts, reduce avoidance and build self-esteem over time. 

Is online therapy effective? 

Yes. 

Research has shown that telehealth therapy can be an effective treatment option for mental health issues. Most clients also appreciate the convenience, flexibility and privacy of attending therapy remotely. 

Shiloh Hill Counseling provides secure virtual therapy for adults in Michigan, Colorado, South Dakota, New Mexico and Florida. 

What types of therapy do you use? 

My approach is individualized and every treatment plan is tailored to your unique experiences and goals. 

Depending on your goals, I may incorporate: 

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Mindfulness-Based Interventions
• DBT informed coping skills
• Attachment Based Interventions
• Psychodynamic
• Strengths-Based Therapy 

How do I choose the right therapist?

The relationship you have with your therapist is one of the strongest predictors of a successful outcome in therapy. 

When choosing a therapist, consider: 

• Do you feel comfortable talking with them?
• Do they have experience with your areas of concern?
• Does their approach fit what you're looking for? 
• Do you feel heard, respected and understood? 
• Are they proactive and do more than just listen, nod or use textbook psychology terms? 

Why Choose Shiloh Hill Counseling? 

People who work with me are often looking for more than symptom relief. They want to better understand themselves, strengthen emotional resilience, improve relationships and find balance while still performing at the level they are used to. 

My approach combines warmth, collaboration and therapeutic interventions tailored to your unique needs. Together, we will focus on practical strategies that support meaningful and lasting change. I look forward to hearing your story. 

Contact Shiloh Hill Counseling today to get started.