Taking the first step of considering therapy is a big step. Whether this is your first time or a return, counseling can be intimidating, confusing, and ultimately a relief. To help you on your journey, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions. If you do not see a question that you need answered, please post a comment, send us a message through the Contact Us form, or just give us a call.
Do you offer free consultations?
Our intake coordinator is available by phone and email to help you determine the right therapist based on your needs, therapist specializations and scheduling. She can help you determine whether our practice is a good fit for you or whether another referral might better serve your circumstances.
What should I expect in my first session?
The first session is about confirming fit between the therapist and yourself, the therapist assessing your situation and problem, and clarifying goals. The first session usually reviews the limits of confidentiality and the rules of the practice.
How long will I be in therapy?
We don’t believe that people need to be in therapy forever. You should be going to therapy while you find it helpful and supportive. You or your therapist may begin to talk about ending therapy when you start to see changes and results in your life. When those changes become stable and enter a maintenance phase, it is time to come up with a plan for you to continue this new change or skill without therapy and what are the signs that you might need to come back for a booster session. We are always happy to see returning clients if they have need additional help or want to focus on a new goal but we also want our clients to be out living the life they have worked so hard to build.
Why do you think that you can help me?
We believe that everyone needs a little support and help. We don’t know if we can help you, we can’t guarantee any results, but we can guarantee that we want to help you find the help you need. Whether that is through us or a referral to a different type of specialist, we are committed to helping you find the right help.
I don’t want to talk about my childhood, I just want to fix my current problem.
We understand. Therapy explores childhood and the past when it is relevant to your present and your future. If it is triggering you or putting obstacles in your path, then we are ethically bound to present our hypothesis to you, our client. But problems are often a reflection of circumstance, current copings skills and resources, and being stuck. Unless the past is needed for insight and clarity, we focus on changing the present.