Q: How do I know if I'm ready for therapy?
A: You may not know. That's why we offer a free 20-30 minutes phone or in-person consultation, to help you determine that.
Q: What is therapy/counseling like?
A: Every therapist, and every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. During session, we will sit down and talk about concerns and issues in your life. A session last 55-60 minutes. Sessions are typically weekly or biweekly. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. Often, you will be asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy session, 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. Active participation, both in and outside of the therapy sessions, facilitates growth and change. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:
Q: Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
A: Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you have faced, there is nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy 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 are at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy 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.
Q: How can therapy help me?
A: A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Often it is helpful just to know that someone understands. Many people find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life by providing support, problem-solving skills and enhanced coping strategies. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or assist you in finding a solution that fits with your values and goals. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
Q: Is counseling confidential?
A: We treat with great care all of the information that you share with us. It is your legal right that our sessions and our records about you are kept private. That is why I ask you to sign a 'release of records' form before I can talk about you or send my records about you to anyone else. In general, We will tell no one what you tell your therapist. We will not even reveal that you are receiving treatment from us. There are limits to confidentiality that arise very rarely. These limits are: if you make a threat to harm yourself or someone else; if you disclose knowledge of abuse or neglect of a child or elderly person; if your records are subpoenaed by the court.
Q: How long will I be in counseling?
A: That’s a great question, and we wish I had a clear cut answer for you. Therapy is a process, and since each person’s life experience and circumstance is different, the answer could be different too. Some takes longer, and some a shorter period of time. After we meet, we’ll have a better sense of that, and of course open to discussing that any time during our counseling sessions.By the end of our second session, I will tell you how I see your case at this point and how I think we should proceed. I expect us to plan our work together. In our treatment plan we will list the areas to work on, our goals, the methods we will use. I expect us to agree on a plan that we will both work hard to follow. From time to time, we will look together at our progress and goals. Due to each person's unique needs the time spent in counseling varies. I use a strengths based, brief therapy approach that enables you to reach your full potential at a faster rate. The average person spends 6-12 sessions in therapy with me. Counseling is often worth the short term investment, because of its life long benefits.
Q: I need help now. How long will I have to wait?
A: You will not be put on a waiting list. Either myself or another therapist will book you for an appointment within a week of you calling in. Contact us today at 314-445-5678 or e-mail us at [email protected] to set up a free consultation.
Q: How do I know you are the right therapist for me?
A: All relationships, even a therapeutic one, needs a good fit. Of course you want the right therapist for you! That’s also what the initial consultation is for, so you can decide that for yourself.
Q: Do I need to take medications?
A: As Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Professional Counselors we are not legally allowed to prescribe medications. However, based on a joint assessment of problems you are facing, it may be advisable to consult with a psychiatrist to determine whether medication is warranted. In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Typically, clients see someone under their health insurance coverage or we can refer you to a psychiatrist.
Q: So where do I go from here?
A: Feel free to give us a call at: 314-445-5678 or e-mail us at [email protected] to set up an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you, and hearing your story.
A: You may not know. That's why we offer a free 20-30 minutes phone or in-person consultation, to help you determine that.
Q: What is therapy/counseling like?
A: Every therapist, and every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. During session, we will sit down and talk about concerns and issues in your life. A session last 55-60 minutes. Sessions are typically weekly or biweekly. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. Often, you will be asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy session, 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. Active participation, both in and outside of the therapy sessions, facilitates growth and change. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:
- Compassion, respect and understanding
- Feedback designed to highlight persistent patterns and negative feelings
- Real strategies for enacting positive change
- Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance
Q: Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
A: Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you have faced, there is nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy 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 are at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy 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.
Q: How can therapy help me?
A: A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Often it is helpful just to know that someone understands. Many people find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life by providing support, problem-solving skills and enhanced coping strategies. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or assist you in finding a solution that fits with your values and goals. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself as well as your values and goals
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communication and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
Q: Is counseling confidential?
A: We treat with great care all of the information that you share with us. It is your legal right that our sessions and our records about you are kept private. That is why I ask you to sign a 'release of records' form before I can talk about you or send my records about you to anyone else. In general, We will tell no one what you tell your therapist. We will not even reveal that you are receiving treatment from us. There are limits to confidentiality that arise very rarely. These limits are: if you make a threat to harm yourself or someone else; if you disclose knowledge of abuse or neglect of a child or elderly person; if your records are subpoenaed by the court.
Q: How long will I be in counseling?
A: That’s a great question, and we wish I had a clear cut answer for you. Therapy is a process, and since each person’s life experience and circumstance is different, the answer could be different too. Some takes longer, and some a shorter period of time. After we meet, we’ll have a better sense of that, and of course open to discussing that any time during our counseling sessions.By the end of our second session, I will tell you how I see your case at this point and how I think we should proceed. I expect us to plan our work together. In our treatment plan we will list the areas to work on, our goals, the methods we will use. I expect us to agree on a plan that we will both work hard to follow. From time to time, we will look together at our progress and goals. Due to each person's unique needs the time spent in counseling varies. I use a strengths based, brief therapy approach that enables you to reach your full potential at a faster rate. The average person spends 6-12 sessions in therapy with me. Counseling is often worth the short term investment, because of its life long benefits.
Q: I need help now. How long will I have to wait?
A: You will not be put on a waiting list. Either myself or another therapist will book you for an appointment within a week of you calling in. Contact us today at 314-445-5678 or e-mail us at [email protected] to set up a free consultation.
Q: How do I know you are the right therapist for me?
A: All relationships, even a therapeutic one, needs a good fit. Of course you want the right therapist for you! That’s also what the initial consultation is for, so you can decide that for yourself.
Q: Do I need to take medications?
A: As Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Professional Counselors we are not legally allowed to prescribe medications. However, based on a joint assessment of problems you are facing, it may be advisable to consult with a psychiatrist to determine whether medication is warranted. In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Typically, clients see someone under their health insurance coverage or we can refer you to a psychiatrist.
Q: So where do I go from here?
A: Feel free to give us a call at: 314-445-5678 or e-mail us at [email protected] to set up an appointment. We look forward to hearing from you, and hearing your story.
