Frequently Asked Questions
Is counseling right for me?
There are a variety of factors that play into the decision for people to choose therapy. Therapy can assist people with a range of issues from long-term psychological issues to adjusting to common life changes. The focus of therapy is to provide support, develop coping skills, and improve the client's ability to manage a range of situations. Clients play an active role in the therapy process by increasing their responsibility and creating positive change in their lives. Despite the misconceptions, therapy is not for "crazy" or "bad" individuals, but rather an additional source of support for a variety of issues.
Here are just a few reasons why someone might seek counseling and benefit from it: experiencing anxiety, bored with life, co-worker conflict, death of a family member or friend, feeling depressed, difficulty adjusting to a change, excessive worry, failing at school or work, feeling like no one else will listen, lack of motivation, loss of a job, low self-esteem, obsessions or compulsions interfering with relationships or responsibilities, relationship issues, school issues, sexuality concerns, stress, wanting to feel more ________ (confident, happy, etc.)
Is this the right time for me to start counseling?
If you are ready for some aspect of your life to be different, then this may be the right time for you to start counseling. Please keep in mind that counseling is most effective if you are ready to address any issues you are currently dealing with, are able to commit to your scheduled appointments, and are financially able to cover your copay/coinsurance (not all insurance plans have a copay or fee).
What is therapy like?
Therapy sessions focus on addressing the needs and goals of each individual client typically via talk therapy. Sessions typically last 55 minutes and are usually offered weekly or every other week. The duration of services can be short-term or long-term based on the complexity of issues. Clients are expected to be honest and committed to the therapy process in order to get the maximum benefit. Between sessions, clients may receive assignments that can assist in personal growth outside of the therapy office. People who access counseling are ready to acknowledge their current functioning (good, fair, or poor) and focus on positive choices and changes to improve their satisfaction with their life and relationships. 55 minutes may seem like a long time to meet with a counselor, but typically the time seems to pass rather quickly as people generally feel comfortable engaging in meaningful conversation.
I provide support in a non-judgmental atmosphere to assist clients in working through their difficulties. I view my role as offering clients new perspectives, and challenging negative thought patterns. I will also help clients develop a repertoire of coping skills to increase the ability to manage situations independently.
Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communication between a client and therapist.
However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include but are not limited to:
I've been to counseling before and it didn't work, why try again?
It may be helpful for you to identify why counseling did not work the first time. Were you engaged in your counseling sessions? Did you feel comfortable talking with your counselor?
Sometimes people attend counseling and they aren't ready for it or are not receptive to counseling, and then feel ready later on. Meeting with a counselor when you are 8 years old because your parents 'made you go' is a different experience from meeting with a counselor when you are 33 years old and want to address a specific concern. Also, each counselor has a different style, approach, and interaction with clients which means that you may not connect with one counselor as well as another counselor. It is important to find a counselor with whom you feel connected and comfortable with in order to get the most out of your counseling experience.
If I start counseling, do I have to continue forever?
Nope. I offer voluntary services, which means services can be terminated at any time. As a courtesy, I ask that you notify me that you will be terminating services. My ultimate goal is for you to discontinue counseling at some point because that means we have addressed the issues you are currently experiencing and you feel that you have the skills you need to manage your situation. If you terminate services and desire services at a later time, you can contact me to resume services.
If I attend counseling, do I also need to take medication?
The appropriate treatment approach varies for each person. Some people benefit from counseling and medication. I am unable to prescribe or manage medication, but can assist in making referrals to find the appropriate provider who can help you determine the appropriateness of medication for you and your situation.
There are a variety of factors that play into the decision for people to choose therapy. Therapy can assist people with a range of issues from long-term psychological issues to adjusting to common life changes. The focus of therapy is to provide support, develop coping skills, and improve the client's ability to manage a range of situations. Clients play an active role in the therapy process by increasing their responsibility and creating positive change in their lives. Despite the misconceptions, therapy is not for "crazy" or "bad" individuals, but rather an additional source of support for a variety of issues.
Here are just a few reasons why someone might seek counseling and benefit from it: experiencing anxiety, bored with life, co-worker conflict, death of a family member or friend, feeling depressed, difficulty adjusting to a change, excessive worry, failing at school or work, feeling like no one else will listen, lack of motivation, loss of a job, low self-esteem, obsessions or compulsions interfering with relationships or responsibilities, relationship issues, school issues, sexuality concerns, stress, wanting to feel more ________ (confident, happy, etc.)
Is this the right time for me to start counseling?
If you are ready for some aspect of your life to be different, then this may be the right time for you to start counseling. Please keep in mind that counseling is most effective if you are ready to address any issues you are currently dealing with, are able to commit to your scheduled appointments, and are financially able to cover your copay/coinsurance (not all insurance plans have a copay or fee).
What is therapy like?
Therapy sessions focus on addressing the needs and goals of each individual client typically via talk therapy. Sessions typically last 55 minutes and are usually offered weekly or every other week. The duration of services can be short-term or long-term based on the complexity of issues. Clients are expected to be honest and committed to the therapy process in order to get the maximum benefit. Between sessions, clients may receive assignments that can assist in personal growth outside of the therapy office. People who access counseling are ready to acknowledge their current functioning (good, fair, or poor) and focus on positive choices and changes to improve their satisfaction with their life and relationships. 55 minutes may seem like a long time to meet with a counselor, but typically the time seems to pass rather quickly as people generally feel comfortable engaging in meaningful conversation.
I provide support in a non-judgmental atmosphere to assist clients in working through their difficulties. I view my role as offering clients new perspectives, and challenging negative thought patterns. I will also help clients develop a repertoire of coping skills to increase the ability to manage situations independently.
Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communication between a client and therapist.
However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include but are not limited to:
- Suspected child abuse, dependent adult or elder abuse.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself.
- Court orders.
- Insurance plans will require information necessary for reimbursement of services, including diagnosis
- Minors interested in receiving therapy will need a parent or guardian's consent to receive services and therapists will continue communication with the parent/guardian for the duration of the minor's therapy.
- If you have questions or concerns, please ask.
I've been to counseling before and it didn't work, why try again?
It may be helpful for you to identify why counseling did not work the first time. Were you engaged in your counseling sessions? Did you feel comfortable talking with your counselor?
Sometimes people attend counseling and they aren't ready for it or are not receptive to counseling, and then feel ready later on. Meeting with a counselor when you are 8 years old because your parents 'made you go' is a different experience from meeting with a counselor when you are 33 years old and want to address a specific concern. Also, each counselor has a different style, approach, and interaction with clients which means that you may not connect with one counselor as well as another counselor. It is important to find a counselor with whom you feel connected and comfortable with in order to get the most out of your counseling experience.
If I start counseling, do I have to continue forever?
Nope. I offer voluntary services, which means services can be terminated at any time. As a courtesy, I ask that you notify me that you will be terminating services. My ultimate goal is for you to discontinue counseling at some point because that means we have addressed the issues you are currently experiencing and you feel that you have the skills you need to manage your situation. If you terminate services and desire services at a later time, you can contact me to resume services.
If I attend counseling, do I also need to take medication?
The appropriate treatment approach varies for each person. Some people benefit from counseling and medication. I am unable to prescribe or manage medication, but can assist in making referrals to find the appropriate provider who can help you determine the appropriateness of medication for you and your situation.
