WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM COUNSELING?

 

Our belief is that therapy is a process where we collaborate with each client to create goals, develop self-awareness, insight into thoughts, feelings and choices, and try new behaviors. We work with clients to develop hope, awareness of personal strengths and explore new ways of viewing yourself, your relationships and your personal history. There are no guarantees in counseling, and a person's desire for change and effort in and outside of counseling sessions play a large role in therapy being successful. We strive to create a strong, collaborative relationship with each client, and along with a client's commitment to the process, our work together can ultimately lead  to greater feelings of joy and confidence as well as positive life changes.

In therapy you can expect to be treated with respect, compassion, empathy and validation for your experiences, thoughts and feelings.  Our goal is to partner with each client to listen to your concerns, meet you where you "are" emotionally, and offer new tools, options and new behaviors to try. 
 

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HOW LONG AND HOW MANY TIMES A WEEK IS A TYPICAL SESSION?

 
Sessions are 55 minutes. 90 minute sessions are also an option, and can be particularly beneficial for couples or families. Most clients are seen once a week in the beginning, then, as time goes on, less frequently. The number of sessions depends on what your current needs are.

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HOW LONG WILL I BE IN COUNSELING?

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The length of time a client is in counseling depends the nature of the problem and the goals of the counseling. Some clients have a very specific problem that can be worked through in a set course of counseling. For others, counseling is an on-going learning process and they choose to receive counseling for a longer period. 

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WHAT IF I DON'T KNOW WHAT MY GOALS ARE FOR THERAPY?

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Sometimes clients know they are struggling, but aren't sure at the beginning what kind of changes they're seeking. We will work together to help you clarify shorter-term and longer-term therapy goals, which will help you get more out of your therapy experience. Goals may also change over the course of therapy.  

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WHAT IF I WANT COUPLES COUNSELING, BUT MY PARTNER WON'T COME?

 

Unfortunately, sometimes one partner is not as willing as the other to come in for counseling. However, it is possible to improve the relationship with just one person involved in counseling. 

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WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH EMERGENCIES THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE OF SESSION?

For severe or life-threatening psychiatric situations, immediately call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room.  For non-life-threatening issues, you are welcome to phone me and leave a message.  Calls are generally returned within 24 hours during the work week.  And therapeutic care/consultation telephone calls beyond five (5) minutes are charged at the session rate on a pro-rated basis.  Some clients prefer to communicate via email, but due to electronic privacy issues we do not discuss clinical information via e-mail or text message. 

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CAN YOU PRESCRIBE MEDICATION?

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No, we cannot, although we have referrals who can. Some doctors may require you to be in therapy before prescribing medications.

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