FAQs
What to expect at your first session?
The first session is often the most difficult because you may feel scared or anxious and unsure of many things. The first session of counseling is a time for us to get to know each other a little bit. There is nothing you have to talk about or say and most people relax and feel more comfortable after just 5 or 10 minutes into the session. During this session, you will have the opportunity to tell me what brought you to counseling, and I will gather some background information as well. We will begin to form some goals for therapy. Clients often leave feeling some relief and understanding and have some strategies to help them cope with their situation.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
Social support from friends and/or family can enhance mental and physical health. However, talking to a friend is not the same as working with a trained psychotherapist. A mental health professional has years of education and training and has learned to help you in an objective and nonjudgemental manner. Unlike social relationships outside of therapy, the therapy time is devoted only to you and your well being. The therapist’s office should be a place where you feel safe and able to explore your own issues without bias or judgement and where you do not need to take care of others. 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, counseling is confidential.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions and how often should I come?
Although there are some nonverbal forms of psychotherapy, counseling will usually involve a lot of talking. However, don’t worry….. there is nothing you have to talk about and if something comes up that you don’t want to talk about or don’t feel ready to talk about, it is okay and even good to say so. I will help you find a place and a way to express yourself. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs. Most people begin counseling by having sessions once per week but this can be more or less frequent depending on your unique situation. Although there is nothing you have to do in sessions, your participation and willingness to challenge yourself and to explore uncomfortable thoughts and feelings will be crucial to your success.
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place.