Frequently Asked Questions
Starting therapy often stirs questions — about how it works, what to expect, and whether it can really make a difference. Below are some of the questions I hear most often, along with my reflections.
Does depth-oriented therapy work?
Yes. Research consistently shows that psychotherapy is effective — and that approaches which explore underlying emotions, relationships, and unconscious patterns (sometimes called depth-oriented or psychoanalytic therapy) are especially powerful.
A widely cited review by Jonathan Shedler (2010) found that patients in psychodynamic therapy not only experienced significant improvement during treatment, but that the benefits actually increased after therapy ended, as people continued to grow on their own.
Studies comparing psychodynamic therapy to other treatments show it to be at least as effective for common conditions like depression and anxiety — and often more effective in the long run (Leichsenring & Rabung, 2008). Research on brief psychodynamic approaches also shows strong results, particularly for anxiety, depression, and somatic symptoms (Abbass et al., 2006).
In other words: this kind of therapy is not just about insight for its own sake. It leads to real, measurable, lasting change. And for many people, the change feels not only visible from the outside, but deeply lived from the inside.
(References: Shedler, J. [2010]. “The Efficacy of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.” American Psychologist, 65(2); Leichsenring, F. & Rabung, S. [2008]. “Effectiveness of Long-term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.” JAMA; Abbass, A., et al. [2006]. “The Efficacy of Short-term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Specific Psychiatric Disorders.” Arch Gen Psychiatry.)
What makes therapy a worthwhile investment?
Therapy is more than a weekly appointment. It’s a relationship that can change how you experience yourself, your relationships, and your life. The benefits often extend far beyond symptom relief — clients often describe a steadier confidence in themselves, a greater ease in closeness, and a resilience that helps them meet life’s challenges without always falling back into the same old patterns.
Unlike many short-term solutions, therapy builds capacities you carry with you long after sessions end. For many, this makes it one of the most meaningful investments they can make in themselves.
Why a human therapist?
You may have noticed apps and AI tools that promise quick support. While these can sometimes help with small tasks or provide structure, they cannot replace the presence of another human being.
Therapy works not just through words, but through relationship — the felt sense of being met by another human being who listens with care, notices what is hard to say, and stays with you as you find your way forward.
Research shows that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is the single best predictor of outcome in therapy. That’s something no simulation can replicate.
How long does therapy take?
There is no single timeline. Some people come for a few months to work through a crisis or transition. Others stay longer, using therapy as a place for deeper exploration and ongoing growth. What matters is finding the rhythm and depth that meet your needs.
Will therapy give me tools and strategies?
Sometimes. While we don’t hand out worksheets or quick fixes, we do help you build emotional and psychological capacities that carry over into daily life — the ability to reflect instead of react, to calm yourself when anxious, or to challenge harsh self-criticism. These are not tricks, but durable skills rooted in deeper change.
Is therapy only for people in crisis?
Not at all. Many people begin therapy during a crisis, but just as many come because they sense something isn’t working, or because they want to know themselves more fully. Therapy can be a place not just for repair, but for growth.
Will the therapist just sit there silently?
No. Therapy often includes deep listening, but you won’t be left alone in silence. At Amphora, our therapists are engaged and responsive — we listen carefully, but we also speak, reflect, and sometimes gently challenge, always with the intention of supporting your growth.
What if I don’t know what to talk about?
That’s more common than you might think. Many people feel this way at first, and it’s completely okay. Therapy doesn’t require a script — sometimes the pauses, the uncertainty, even the silences, open the door to what most needs attention.
Do you take insurance?
We are an out-of-network practice and do not bill insurance directly. Many clients are able to obtain partial reimbursement from their insurance companies. For details, see Fees.