How can therapy help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety and fear, substance abuse or dependence (alcohol and drugs), adjustment concerns, trauma and PTSD, relationship issues, grief and loss, sexuality concerns, spiritual conflict and early childhood abuse. Many people also find that therapist can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn.
Do I really need counseling? I can usually handle my problems.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking additional support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life, while making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
Why do people go to therapy and how do I know if it is right for me?
People have many different motivations for coming to psychotherapy. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and addiction, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creative blocks. Therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.
What should I expect from the first counseling session?
The first session is used to attain specific information. During our initial phone conversation and free consultation, we briefly discuss the reasoning behind someone’s interest in counseling. Time is spent gaining additional information about the the goals of the therapeutic endeavor. This time also permits the opportunity for the client to address any question they might have regarding the therapeutic process. Additionally, we’ll discuss fees and scheduling, cancellation, and payment policies. Required documentation is collected and reviewed (documents need to be completed & brought in with you on your first visit, ie: Assessment & Release of Information)
What are the goals of the therapeutic endeavor?
Goals will vary depending on the clients need. One of the main purposes of therapy is to provide the opportunity for the client to explore change and personal growth through facilitation of problem solving which occurs when the client acknowledges the need for change, accepts the responsibility to make the specific change, then takes action towards attainment of change and personal growth
Is counseling confidential?
Confidentiality is an extremely important component of the therapeutic process. The law protects the relationship between a client and a counselor, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.
Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which I am required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
- If a client intends to harm him or herself, I will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, I will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety.
How often will we meet for therapy and what is the duration?
Therapy generally occurs once a week and last 50 minutes - occasionally, people come more often. The time may arrive when the need for such attention lessens and some clients may choose to go to an ‘every other week’ schedule. Duration of therapy varies depending on severity of concern, effort and progress made both during and in between sessions, history surrounding the concerns. Once the initial session has occurred, determination of length of therapy can be ascertained.
What is your cancellation policy?
Life happens and it is understandable the need to cancel an appointment may occur. As I hold a specific therapy session time for you, it makes it unavailable to someone else who may also need help. Thus, if the need arises and you must cancel an appointment, a minimum of 24 hours notice is required. If this minimum notice is not made, the client will be charged $50 for the missed session.