How do I know when it is time to see a counselor? Why can’t I just talk to a family member or friend?
The fact that you are reading this is a sign that seeing a counselor might be a good move for you. There is nothing wrong with seeking out additional support from a trained professional when needed.
A friend or family member is not professionally trained to help you grow, heal, and change. It’s likely that your friends and family have been giving you their best advice for some time now, but you need another set of eyes on the matter.
Whereas a friend might give advice based on their personal relationship with you or based on their own life experience, I am interested in helping you find your own answers by helping you to connect with what is true and right for you. I am committed to maintaining an unbiased and judgement-free position in the room.
How will I know the information I share will be confidential?
The law protects the privacy of all communications between a client and a counselor. In most situations, I can only release information about our professional relationship if you sign a written authorization form.
What are the benefits of counseling?
Counseling is a collaborative process which involves the development of a confidential, unique, therapeutic, helping relationship. This relationship is unlike any other as I will act as a facilitator in helping you better understand yourself, the world around you, your feelings, and your behaviors.
As is the case with most things in life, there are both benefits and risks while participating in counseling. Counseling may improve your ability to relate with others, provide a clearer understanding of yourself, your values, and your goals, and it often helps relieve stress immediately.
Along with these benefits, counseling will also involve discussing the unpleasant parts of your life, and you may experience uncomfortable feelings during these moments. But remember that using the awareness of one’s pain can aid the healing process and result in better relationships with yourself and others.
How will I know if you are the right counselor for me?
Take a look around my site, and trust your gut feelings!
In order to give you a better idea, let’s chat! Feel free to contact me for a free 15-minute phone consultation to see if I would be the best counselor to assist you in reaching your goals.
How long does therapy last?
In regards to session length, the initial intake session will be 50 minutes long, and every session after that will be 50 minutes from start to finish.
The therapeutic process varies from person to person. Many presenting concerns can be dealt with in a brief period of time, but this is not always the case. Unfortunately, there is no magic formula to determine how long counseling will take.
During the therapeutic process, you and I will frequently check in on your progress towards goals and will be continually evaluating your need for counseling.
My goal is to ultimately help you reach a point where you don’t need counseling anymore. You may still have personal work to do, but you will have learned the skills you need to act as your own therapist over time.
Do I have to chose between online, office, or walk and talk?
Nope! You are welcome to take advantage of any therapy offering that is appropriate for you. When we schedule our appointments, we will discuss the type of session you would prefer. *Walk-Talk therapy requires an initial assessment session conducted via online therapy or in office.
I am ready to explore and change, how do I get started?
You can schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation wherein we will discuss what counseling with me looks like. I will also gather pertinent information during this time about what led you to call me and decide if we would be a good match. If it is decided that scheduling an initial intake session with me would be the best move for you, we will schedule a session. You will then receive a secure email containing the necessary paperwork to be completed prior to your first session and your username and password to access to your client portal electronically.
Contact me to schedule your free 15-minute phone consultation today.