Question 1

How do I get started with therapy?

Accepted Answer

1. Give us a call. It's a super quick way to get in touch with us.
2. Email Us. We'll get back to you as early as possible. 
3. Schedule Online. You can quickly schedule an appointment online.

Question 2

Is Counseling Confidential?

Accepted Answer

We take your confidentiality very seriously. All information shared in session as well as your attendance to the sessions are kept in the strictest confidence. Not only does federal law protect counseling as a confidential act, but we go well beyond what is required. You are always in control of your records and any release of information requires your written permission. If you have any questions at any time about our confidentiality policy, just let me know.

Question 3

I've never talked to a therapist before. Aren't people who go to therapy weak?

Accepted Answer

Not at all! Everyone needs help now and then. Everyone gets stuck in their attempts to solve life's problems and need someone to offer new ideas and insight. Often asking for help is the bravest thing you can do. No matter how you came about that decision, it is a huge step in taking care of yourself. You already have some strengths that you've used before, that for whatever reason are not working right now. Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your past strengths. In our work together, we help you identify what those strengths are and how to implement them again in what is happening now.

Question 4

What's the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

Accepted Answer

The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way - teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won't have to worry about others "knowing my business." Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, if you've been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren't reminded of this difficult time in your life.

Question 5

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Accepted Answer

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. We tailor our therapeutic approach to your specific needs. 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.

Question 6

How long will it take?

Accepted Answer

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, it is most common to schedule regular weekly sessions initially, and then space them out as you see progress.

Question 7

If I commit to therapy, what can I expect? How can I get the most out of therapy?"

Accepted Answer

It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you are an active participant in the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you take what you learn in sessions back into your life. Beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, if you are receptive to "homework", we can suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your progress.

Question 8

My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual counsling or come together?

Accepted Answer

If you would both like to work on your relationship, we would initially work with both of you together. While couples' therapy is primarily done together, there may be times your therapist would want to see each partner individually. After couples' work, if one of you would like to continue in individual sessions, we could work with only one of you. Make sure to consult your therapist to see if this is right for you.

Frequently asked questions