What happens at the initial evaluation?
At your first appointment, your therapist will collect pertinent information about your history and reasons leading to your wanting to make changes. He or she will work with you to determine the best course of action for your treatment.
What can I expect in a counseling session?
A session usually lasts 45 minutes. We recommend weekly sessions. Between sessions, clients are encouraged to think about and process what was discussed. At times, you may be asked to do something specific outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records. For the therapy to "work," you must be an active participant, both during and between the therapy sessions.
What benefits can I expect from working with a counselor?
A large body of research shows that individuals who seek counseling tend to lead more satisfying lives and make better decisions. Often it is helpful just to know that someone understands. Counseling can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from counseling depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn.
How do I decide which therapist is right for me?
Choosing the right therapist can be a difficult and confusing process. Start by looking at the therapist's expertise, education and training. Decide if these trainings are relevant to your situation or problem. Some individuals find it more comforting to work with therapists who have a similar background as theirs (eg, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc.). Once you meet with the therapist, wisdom, empathy, compassion and character are all attributes you'll want to look for. Because it takes time to build a therapeutic relationship, we recommend taking 3-4 sessions to get to know your therapist.
Can I make an appointment for someone else?
Because therapy is a personal process, the individual has to contact us directly for an appointment (unless it is a referral from an organization or professional). Therapy requires that the individual be willing to work at making some changes to his or her life. For that reason, we are unable to work with individuals who are not ready to begin therapy.
How do you take payments?
We take most major insurances. Click here for the complete list. Some plans require co-payments while others do not, so please check with your carrier. If you have another carrier that is not listed, you might want to contact them to see if you have out-of-network coverage. We are also able to take private pay. Please contact our office for the rate.
