COMMON QUESTIONS
How do I choose a therapist for myself or my child?
Therapy has to be a collaborative process if you want to obtain the goals you set. You, the client, tell me what your goals are. I, the therapist, then help you tweak the goal or reword it in some manner, but it is still your goal — not mine. Together, we agree on the desired outcome and work as a team to obtain that specific goal. One of the most critical components to "successful" therapy is based on the trust and relationship built between client and therapist. If you don't feel comfortable, how are you going to be honest and share your life situation which brought you to therapy? Your child needs to feel comfortable with his/her therapist in the same way. Remember that trust takes time, so you have initial sessions to go with your gut feeling and think, "Can I see me developing a relationship with this person?"
It may be important for you to determine what expertise, skills and/or training the therapist has. For example, adolescents, adults, EMDR, etc.
An initial phone conversation or consultation can be a good way for you to get some initial questions answered. Please call me if you have a few questions before making a decision. I also offer a 15- to 30-minute free phone consultation to provide you with the opportunity to ask me initial questions. You may also e-mail me prior to your first appointment. I will get back to you within 24 hours or quicker. Please note that this e-mail may not be confidential.
How many sessions will I/we need to solve my problem?
Each person/family is unique; therefore, there is no average number of sessions. Treatment will continue until you decide you have achieved your goals and are ready to be on your own. Some clients come in for just a few sessions (3 or 4), while others work more long-term in therapy. My goal is to help you gain the skills to successfully maneuver the challenges that life brings.
How often will we meet?
Weekly sessions, particularly at the start of therapy, are helpful to build rapport and trust with you and your therapist. As treatment goals are obtained, many find that less frequent sessions are needed. Through therapy you have gained skills to better address the problem. I, your therapist, will draw on skills you already have, strengthen them and give you new tools to help address the issue/problem. It is my job as a therapist to help you be self-sufficient and not make you dependent on therapy. You should not need to be in therapy forever.
It should be noted that at times more intensive therapy is needed and we may determine to have sessions more than one time a week. This is only during a crisis; not every client will want or need to do this. Again, it is on an individual and as-needed basis.
What about confidentiality?
Therapy is a safe and confidential place to work through challenges. We all have challenges in our lives. All visits and records are confidential. No one will be informed about your participation in counseling without your specific request in writing for a release of information.
However, there are legal limitations to confidentiality. These limitations include and are not limited to reporting child, elder and dependent abuse; when a client makes a reasonable threat of violence against an identifiable victim; when a client is a threat to his/herself and/or another person If you have further questions about confidentiality, they can be discussed in person with you on your initial visit.