How can counseling help me?
Some of the benefits from counseling include: 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 stress of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or together discover a solution that is right for you. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your values, what you want out of life and how to get there
Developing skills to improve your relationships
Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
With RRT, trauma can be healed and triggers cleared
Managing anger, grief, depression and other emotional pressures
Improving communications and listening skills
Changing old ineffective 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
Putting joy back in your life
Do I really need counseling? I can usually handle my problems
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life and while you may have successfully navigated other difficulties, seeking support may mean your willing to make a change no matter how small to improve your life. Maybe you have realized that a new perspective might be beneficial. Perhaps you have become aware of reoccurring patterns that are not to your best advantage, knowing that even a small change could make life so much better. 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.
Why do people go to counseling and how do I know if it’s right for me?
People have many different motivations for coming to therapy. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, loss, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creative blocks. Therapy can help provide some much needed encouragement and support, as well as, the ability to learn new skills to help get through tough periods. Perhaps you have experienced trauma and realize the toll it is taking on your life both somatically and mentally. Clearing trauma can give you your life back, so you can stop feeling stuck, tired and triggered. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. Maybe you have known for some time that there has been something in your life that happened that has been put on the back burner. Perhaps you have realized you want to process it and move on.
What is counseling like?
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Either way, sessions are scheduled with you in mind. The frequency of sessions, the issues we address are based on your needs and what it is that you feel works for you.
The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process – such as reading a pertinent book, noting particular behaviors, trying out a newly learned approach or taking steps to make your goals a reality. People seek therapy because they want change in their lives, sometimes small change or other times big change.
Currently, I do not accept insurance but I can provide you with what is called a super-bill at the end of each month that you can turn in to your insurance. Your insurance plan and coverage may cover a portion or all of your counseling expenses.
To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is call them. Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers. Some helpful questions you can ask them:
What are my mental health benefits?
What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
Is prior authorization required prior to seeking outpatient counseling?
Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?
Legally and eithically your information cannot be discussed with anyone else. Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and therapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is not discussed anywhere but the therapist’s office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called Informed Consent. Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, specialist or Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
However, 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 threatened to harm another person.
More quesitons? No worries.
Let’s talk. I invite you to set up a free phone consult.