Is seeking outside help from a trained professional right for me?
Seeking out assistance is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people seek a professional opinion and assistance. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of a counselor as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a counselor can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. The assistance I provide can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Counseling is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.
Do I really need assistance from a trained professional? 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 out extra support when you need it. In fact, counseling 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 and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking the help available to you. Counseling 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.
How can this type of assistance help me?
A number of benefits are available. Counselors can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Trained, objective professionals can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from seeking this kind of assistance can include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek help
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communications and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
What happens during a session with a counselor?
Every session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for counselors to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life. The number of sessions needed to help you resolve your issues is totally dependent on you, the client. Issues can be resolved in as little as one visit. It is the goal of solution-focused counseling to help the client resolve thier issues quickly, efficiently, and permanently. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking assistance are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect from me:
- Compassion, respect and understanding
- Real strategies for enacting positive change
- Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance
Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?
I do not accept insurance payment. However, if you want to see if your insurance company will reimburse you, you will need to determine if you have mental health coverage. If you are covered, and you decide to submit a claim to them, I will provide whatever documentation the insurance carrier requires of me.
Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and counselor. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.
However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The counselor is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The counselor is required to notify the police.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The counselor will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.