Frequently Asked Questions
Before taking the step to initiate counseling therapy, there are often many questions and concerns individuals have. This can be an uncertain and sometimes scary step, and my goal is to make this an easy and comfortable process. The following are common questions about counseling sessions. Feel free to contact me with any additional questions to help guide you through this process.
Is Therapy Right for Me?
Taking the step to initiate therapy shows great self-awareness. It can be very difficult to reach out for help when things in life get tough, and being able to do this shows your ability to accept where you are in life and make a commitment to change.
Therapy provides long-term benefits and support. Together we will work to provide you with the tools and skills you need to avoid future triggers, create new cycles of interaction, and to counteract damaging patterns towards overcoming future challenges. Therapy can help provide encouragement and build skills to get individuals, couples and families through life's tough periods. Therapy can help you meet life’s challenges and learn how to deal with new challenges and changes in the future.
What is Therapy Really Like?
Each person has their own issues and goals for therapy, so therapy look a little different for everyone. In general, expect to discuss current life events, in additional to exploring your life history in relationship to your currents events. You will also discuss your progress outside of session and any challenges you face along the way. Therapy can be short-term, dealing with one particular issue, or longer-term depending upon the nature of your concerns.
You must actively participate in therapy in order to be successful. Applying what is discussed in session to your daily life is the key to success in therapy. Talking about challenges for just 45 minutes per week will not help you change patterns that have persisted for years. Sometimes homework will be assigned to highlight in-session work. Perhaps reading from a particular book, journaling, or tracking behaviors will be assigned. Again, every session and therapeutic experience is different depending upon the goals and needs of the client.
Does What we Talk about Remain Confidential?
Confidentiality is one of the most important components of a therapeutic relationship. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. Sometimes you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone such as your physician, attorney, or school. By law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
State law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources. If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threated to harm another person.