Frequently Asked Questions
Counseling is recommended for those struggling with mental health issues, stuck in negative patterns, or experiencing a crisis. However, counseling can also work wonders for the everyday person who want to think or feel differently, do some problem solving, or get some advice. Sometimes people just want to get something off their chest or explore some philosophical question with someone. Most often, you are struggling with a situation or needing support through a difficult time. Taking some time for some honest self-reflection could be the most valuable gift that you could give yourself.
Therapy is an investment that you should be getting a good return on. There are other things that are expensive, that we don’t question the value of, such as hiring a good attorney if you’re going through a divorce. Also often private health care plans will cover the cost of counseling sessions, and sometimes companies or employers will have Employee Assistance Plans for the same purpose. People will “work through” their challenges one way or another: spending money on counseling is a good investment as opposed to drowning your feelings in alcohol, shopping, gambling, food or other distraction techniques…
Your first meeting is free. This first 45 minute consult is the time for you to explain what you’re hoping for, ask a lot of questions, and then decide if you want to continue in treatment with me.
The fee is $140 per 55 minute session for individuals and $165 for couples and families.
The first step to starting therapy is to find a therapist.
try searching the internet, social media or friends to ask for a list of helpful professional resources. Especially if you are looking for a therapist for a particular issue (i.e. divorce, weight loss, grief), referrals from friends/ family or specific internet searches may be the way to go.
One of the most important aspects of counseling is the counselor/ client “fit.” Not everyone clicks with everyone…don’t let this be a reason for you to give up. No different than your doctor, vet or employer, you need to find the person you connect with, trust and respect. It’s okay not to like a person’s style and find the best person to help you. All counselors have a different personality, belief system, and style….shop around!
It’s reasonable for you the consumer to ask the therapist for a free “consult”. This is a session free of charge where you simply talk with the therapist about your needs, your concerns; and get to know the therapists style a bit. Use the free consult to ask some questions about their strategies, style or beliefs about your struggle…a good counselor will talk with you and take time to answer these questions.
Some people want to have a speedy experience, where the problem is solved in six sessions or less. If this is you, then you should look for a “solutions-focused therapist.” It is still important to keep in mind that you can’t expect that all problems can be solved in a short period of time, as some situations take longer to sort through. Also, as the relationship between the client and therapist develops over an extended period of time, the depth of learning can increase as well. A good therapist can offer a valuable perspective. Some people can end up going to therapy for years, either because the situation has never been resolved, or because they like being able to come in for an hour each week to talk about life – either one is okay and you can decide what is best for you. Be sure to tell the therapist in your free consult session what length of therapy that you are hoping for. This is an important question for you to explore with a new therapist: How long should I come? How will I know when my situation is resolved? Am I under any obligation to attend a certain number of sessions?
The relationship between therapist and client is like no other and it can take a while to get used to that – to sit with someone who listens with undivided attention, who doesn’t judge you, who is totally on your side but who is not afraid to challenge you from time to time. A counselor will provide you a safe place where you can explore your past and present and allow yourself the opportunities to change your present and future.
A great friendship can have these same attributes and everyone should be so lucky to be surrounded by friends like this. However, a friendship may be stressed by the intensity of your current needs, a friend might take it personal if you choose not to take her advice right now.
A therapist relationship is more like a mentor to student situation.
In individual treatment, the therapist and client make a plan together for what to work on, to change, to understand or to improve in that person’s life. Basically the individual gets to choose what to focus on and how deep to go with that focus. In couples therapy however, the therapist does not align with (take sides) either partner, but rather advocates on behalf of the relationship itself. That’s assuming that each partner is interested in preserving or repairing the relationship.