FAQ

How can counseling help me with my problems?

There are several benefits when participating in counseling: access support, obtaining problem-solving strategies as well as coping skills, receive multiple resources/referrals, understanding emotions of self and others. whether therapy is needed for relationship issues, grief and loss, parenting support, teen or childhood issues, trauma, crisis intervention, as well as anger, anxiety, and depression- your counselor can help you overcome the obstacles and cope through the process.

Many people can gain strides in their personal growth through individual counseling as well as family or couples counseling. By allowing yourself to process through your emotions and thoughts with your counselor, you will have insight on new perspective and learn ways to cope as issues arise in your daily life struggles.

Most people no longer feel they need counseling once their presenting problem is resolved, however further growth and development in other areas in your life are available to you. At the end of counseling, you will be capable of applying those learned skills independently. You will be able to have a strong self-identity, maintain healthy relationships, manage your feelings, communicate effectively, achieve self-confidence, and problem-solve life circumstances.

What is therapy/counseling like?

Therapy can vary with different approaches and strategies that are specifically geared toward each individual. You can expect for the process to begin with an assessment to review your current circumstances and past life events.

The next step will mostly involve discussions of feelings, behaviors, and thoughts. Your counselor will suggest homework assignments that are applicable in your daily life to practice in the outside world. The amount of sessions IS based upon your progress and how your treatment plan is developed. You will collaborate with your counselor to create your treatment plan as well as your short-term or long-term goals. Sessions are most commonly scheduled once per week.

Overall, your progress is gained when you attend the counseling sessions regularly, when you complete the homework assignments, and when there is less or minimal resistance to personal change that be might required in order to achieve your goals. Therapy allows you to make positive changes in your life and opens up new perspectives for growth.

What is better, medication or talk therapy?

This question is very dependent upon your circumstances and diagnosis (if applicable). When discussing questions or concerns about psychotropics, it is best to meet with a medical physician or psychiatrist. Research findings has shown that when suffering from severe mental illness, both medication and psychotherapy combined will produce the most optimal results.

Do you accept insurance and what is the process?

You may contact us directly to confirm whether or not we accept your insurance carrier if you have mental health coverage. You may also call your insurance carrier and ask them about your mental health benefits, how many sessions are covered, how much the insurance covers and what you will be responsible to pay. You should also ask if you are required to have a referral from your primary care doctor.

What remains confidential?

Everything discussed with your counselor is confidential accept for the following:

  • Where there is a reasonable suspicion of child abuse or elder adult physical abuse
  • Where there is a reasonable suspicion that you may present a danger of violence to others
  • Where there is a reasonable suspicion that you are likely to harm yourself unless protective measures are taken

You should also understand that if the issue of your psychological treatment is raised during the course of a lawsuit, your therapist might be forced by the court to reveal the details of your treatment. In such a case, if your therapist receives a subpoena from an attorney to provide copies of your clinical records, the psychotherapist must claim privilege for you and you:

  • May waive privilege and allow the psychotherapist to provide the subpoenaed information; or
  • May invoke privilege and refuse to allow the release of information. In this case, the trial judge will determine whether your psychotherapist must release information – and the judge can issue a court order which your psychotherapist must obey, despite your protests.

At times, it will be beneficial to have your counselor share your information or give an update to other professional healthcare providers working with you, for these cases you will need to sign a release of information for authorization.