What kinds of things do people seek help for?

People seek counseling for a variety of reasons including feeling unhappy, unfulfilled, worried, sad, or angry. People also seek out counseling to help change behaviors that are troubling them including addictive or disordered behaviors or behaviors that affect their relationships at home or at work. Some people seek counseling because they have a life goal that has been eluding them and they are ready to explore their barriers. Other people seek out counseling because they know they are going through a difficult time or facing a difficult decision and they desire a place to sort through their feelings and move forward in their life with intention and clear thinking. 

How does counseling help?

When a counseling relationship is working well, clients experience new insights into their situations, clearer thinking, increased energy, better understanding of their feelings and needs, release of troubling emotions that have held them back or been confusing, and a greater sense of wholeness and peace within themselves. Therapy is a process, and a working partnership develops between client and therapist. Therapy is not always comfortable or straightforward as difficult emotions and ways of being often have to be sorted through in order for new energy and change to appear. Clients should feel comfortable with their therapist and be able to ask about whatever is on their mind regarding the process. In spite of the uncomfortable emotions experienced, clients we have worked with feel that the temporary pain of the working through process is well worth leaving behind the continual pain of living the way they had previously. 

How much does counseling cost?

This is a difficult question to answer because each insurance company has their unique reimbursement rate. It is the responsibility of the client to contact their insurance company and ask about their deductible, co-pay and co-insurance. Often, deductibles must be satisfied before mental health benefits are covered. If you do not have insurance and are self-pay, please discuss the fee with your therapist. 

Do you work with children, couples and families?

Yes, our practice includes work with children, adolescents, individuals, couples, and families. 

Is what I say confidential?

Yes. All client-therapist conversations are private and confidential. It is also confidential information that a person is meeting with a counselor. We follow the professional ethical standards of the National Association of Social Workers and state legislature. Only in rare exceptions when the safety of a client or other is at risk can disclosure of confidential client-therapist information take place. 

What can I expect at the first session?

You can expect to talk about the concern(s) that brought you into counseling and also about your background and personal history. You can share on a level that feels comfortable for you. You will have some paperwork to complete. These forms can be completed before your appointment or plan to arrive 20-30 minutes early to complete.