Cindy Southeast Silitsky LMFT

Success can be difficult to measure if you are going to therapy as a couple or family, as sometimes one person views it as beneficial while another does not. As a therapist, I consider a case to be successful when change is happening. I continually ask clients for their assessment of how things are going, what is improving, what else needs to happen. I will point out areas of progress that I see improvement in. The client will know they are making progress because they will be able to see it come alive in their lives and relationships-they will be meeting their therapy goals.

The one thing I wish people knew about the therapy experience who might be hesitant to try it, would be that it actually works! People wait far too long to come in for assistance. While people would never try to fix their own broken leg and don't hesitate to turn to a professional for work on their home, they assume that they can "fix" their relationship problems on their own. A professional might be able to see patterns and interactional cycles that can be broken and increase your satisfaction in those relationships tremendously. You do not need to necessarily be at the point of hopelessness before seeking services: it is a sign of strength to reach out when you are struggling, not one of weakness.

There are many essential elements to a successful therapeutic relationship. You, the client, must feel understood and not judged. The therapist should be someone you view as competent, ethical, trustworthy, caring, and professional. If that is not your experience with a new therapist, do not give up on the therapy process altogether, as that person may not be a good fit for you, but there is almost certainly another therapist out there who will be!

• Florida, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, MT2054

I earned a degree in psychology, followed by a masters degree in social work, and a Ph.D., in marriage and family therapy. I became licensed as a marriage and family therapist in 2004. Since that time, I have worked in private practice. Additionally, I taught full time as an Associate Professor for 18 years in a graduate counseling program, in addition to serving as the Marriage and Family Therapy Program Director. I currently teach part time online at Capella University. I have clinical experience in a variety of areas and have worked in other clinical contexts, such as Planned Parenthood, community mental health centers, university counseling clinics, etc.