Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need counseling? Is something wrong with me if I do?

Counseling can be a way to navigate some of your past or present life struggles in a safe and supportive environment. If you are struggling in certain areas, or perhaps feel that something is off in your life or relationships with others, counseling can help. It can be a way to sort through challenges, process your feelings, and identify steps you can take to take to bring about positive change and an embrace of joy in your life. It truly is a brave and worthwhile step to be willing to reflect on areas of your life that you want to change!

How can counseling help me?

When we take the bold step of being willing to reflect on different areas of our lives, the doors of possibility open up and we no longer have to remain locked in our struggles or difficulties. Counseling can be a sounding board for expressing how we think and feel; it can be a toolbox for acquiring coping skills for managing our day-to-day lives, and it can be a glass of cold water of refreshment as we embark on new beginnings with a sense of excitement and peace.

How can my faith be a part of counseling?

Exploring where you are in your faith journey and inviting God into the process can open up a whole spiritual dimension of healing that is often overlooked. The idea that God has a plan for joy in our lives can be exciting and scary to consider. Being able to freely share your thoughts, feelings, and struggles of your faith allows you to have the opportunity for more in your life: more peace, more fulfillment, more acceptance, and more joy. This doesn’t mean we will no longer have pain, suffering, or disappointments, but knowing that God is journeying with us in both our joys and sufferings can enable us to move forward with hope instead of fear, knowing that God has a plan for “welfare and not for woe” (Jeremiah 29:11) for each of us. You do not have to be in a certain place in your faith for it to be something you want to explore, nor do you have to include faith as part of the counseling process. It always remains simply an invitation to consider.

Can I meet with someone if I don’t have insurance?

Yes, there is always the option to pay out-of-pocket for sessions, or to choose not to have sessions submitted to insurance if you prefer to self-pay.

Are you going to share what I talk about with anyone?

Generally speaking, all communication between a client and therapist is kept confidential by law. Written consent is required before a therapist can share information with any third-party. The exceptions to confidentiality include the following:

• Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. In this case, the therapist must make a report to the appropriate authorities immediately.

• If a client is threatening to do serious physical harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.

• If a client has a plan and intent to harm him / herself. The therapist will assess the safety concerns and decide on appropriate action steps to take, which may include disclosing information to others in order for the safety of the client to be protected.