Frequently Asked Questions

Is therapy right for me?

People come to therapy for all sorts of reasons. A person may decide, “I just want to learn more about myself,” or they might be seeking professional help for sadness, grief or health anxiety. Therapy is about healing, growth and thriving. Oftentimes, stress comes from work, school, family life, cultural and ancestral burdens, or a change in physical health. Therapy can be a place to speak what feels unspeakable, even when one may feel lost or life feels meaningless. Adam Lang Counseling Services offers specialized, evidence-based talk therapy for life’s existential issues.

If you think therapy might be a next step for you, and you live in Massachusetts, I can offer a free 15-minute consultation.

If you are having a mental health emergency, call 988 for immediate help.

A list of national and Boston crisis hotlines is available here: https://www.bpl.org/emergency-help-and-hotlines/

How long does therapy take?

Typically, at least 8-15 therapy sessions are needed to provide a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan. Many people say they begin feeling better after even just the first couple of appointments. The length of therapy depends on the stressors that bring a person to therapy, their onset and the severity (i.e. anxiety, loss, depression, fatigue, chronic pain, etc.). It may also depend on other factors such as specific goals, existing strengths, social supports, environmental circumstances, previous treatment in counseling or therapy, and even early childhood experiences.

While some come to therapy to do a brief episode of targeted work, others may benefit from deep emotional processing over a longer time period.

How often will we meet for therapy?

Typically, it is best to meet once per week starting out, to build a strong working relationship. After a few sessions, some discussion will take place about the best pace to move forward. I can also accommodate monthly, quarterly or whichever pace feels most supportive and sustainable. Outside some extenuating circumstances, I am not able to meet more than once per week.

How do we decide what to do in therapy?

The first few sessions are spent figuring this out together. My clients are always the experts of their own lives and needs. I interview clients about this early on. While talk therapy relies on conversation and listening, it is also my job as the counselor to provide feedback and evidence-based recommendations.

What does evidence-based mean?

Evidence-based practices are the many types of talk therapies that have been thoroughly researched, reviewed by expert peers, and proven to be effective in helping with specific problems. I practice in motivational interviewing (MI), contemporary psychodynamic therapies and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

My counseling style is active, engaging and relational. The therapy is a journey in which I have the privilege of joining with my clients around what feels most meaningful.

How do I find the right therapist?

The best therapy feels genuine. It matters to find the right fit for one’s specific life stage or situation. Therapists often specialize, or become expert in the latest evidence-based practices for specific problems.

I am an experienced therapist for a range of existential issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), identity and finding purpose, bereavement, health challenges or disability, anxiety and mood disorders. I help people with their relationships, quality of life and well-being. If you live in Massachusetts and any of these themes resonate with you, let’s set up a free 15-minute consultation.