FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I benefit from counseling?

Anyone can benefit from counseling.  Reasons to come to counseling can be if you are needing help with specific stressors, or symptoms.  Counseling can also be beneficial if you need an objective voice to assist in furthering your personal growth.

How do I know if I need couples therapy?

We’ll help you assess if couples therapy would be something that would benefit your relationship at the time.  We will make a plan that fits your current situation and addresses your most pressing issues.

What can I expect for the first session?

The first session is mostly you allowing us to get to know you.  We’ll go at your pace.  Being nervous is completely normal, by the way.

Am I abnormal because I am coming into counseling?

No.  Most likely you are having a normal emotional and mental reaction to a life event, series of life events, or a consistent state of living that is affecting you in the present or has significantly impacted you in the past.  You are, in fact, very normal.

Do you have to give me a diagnosis?

No.  A diagnosis is used as a way for practitioners to communicate and relate to their colleagues and their clients/patients.  There is no one set of descriptive characteristics that can define you and your situation.  A diagnosis is information.  It is not you.  However, if you are seeking reimbursement from your insurance company, a diagnosis is mandatory.

Can I use insurance for my sessions?

Yes.  We are able to give you a “superbill” that you will submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.  While we are on one insurance panel, the vast majority of people that come to see us do not use insurance.

How often should I be coming into counseling?

Most people come in every 2 weeks and find that beneficial.  Some people need to come in every week initially,  then come in every 2 weeks.  You could come in once a month or even more spread out.  We’ll work on a plan that makes sense for you.

Can I bring my spouse, partner, or other family members into counseling?

Absolutely.  We will also let you know during our sessions if we think it would be beneficial to your therapy to have your partner, spouse or other family member in session.

How long will counseling be needed?

As long as you feel you need it.  We will also give you my feedback on where we think you are in the process.  Our hope for you is to be able to use all the skills you have discovered and feel confident to live life on your terms.

Can you help my anxiety and/or depression immediately?

If you are coming in with immediate concerns about mood we will make a plan to address those issues.  We will also show you helpful techniques to help control anxiety and stress.