Why Counseling?

There are many reasons people seek therapy....maybe you are feeling stuck in life, dealing with depression, anxiety or relational issues. Perhaps your relationship with food has gotten more and more unhealthy and this is affecting your health, relationships and joy. You may find yourself feeling confused, hopeless or overwhelmed. Perhaps your relationship or marriage is in crisis. All of these are just a few of the reasons that people seek counseling. Counseling provides a safe, confidential place to explore what is happening in your life, move towards resolution and seek healing.

Counseling is also an investment, and I'm not just talking about finances; it's also an investment in time and energy. It is worth considering, and even asking yourself these two questions: what is healing and wholeness worth to me? And, what could it look like to become more whole, authentic, or live with more freedom in my life? However, if you find these to be difficult areas for you to explore then myself or your therapist can help you uncover your values and beliefs related to the process and hope of healing in your life. 

Selecting the right therapist is also an important factor to consider, and research has shown that the client-therapist fit is one of the factors that determines success in therapy. I would encourage you to find a therapist who not only feels like the right fit for you, but is also someone who has the skills and expertise to help you work through the struggles bringing you into therapy. I have included the following questions below just to serve as a guide for you as you begin the process of finding a therapist:

1. What is your approach to therapy? In other words, how do you believe that health and healing happen in counseling?

if the therapist states that they think they can "fix" you it is most likely not be the best fit. The point of therapy is to help you become and discover the strong, amazing person that you are, not to discover how incredible your therapist is! This is not to say that your therapist won't use helpful tools and interventions to facilitate healing, but rather that you play an active and integral part in the healing process! 

2. How much do you charge and how long are sessions?

A therapist should be able to tell you how long the session is (typically 45-50 minutes) and their current rate. You can also ask if they offer any low fee spots as many therapists offer these on a limited basis.

3. Do you accept insurance?

Make sure to find out what, if any insurance providers your therapist works with. In addition you should also contact your insurance company to verify your coverage, copays and any exclusions.

4. What tools or techniques do you use? What should I expect generally during a counseling session?

A therapist will be able to give you a general picture of the tools they use and the theories they work from. Counseling is a fluid process which means that often sessions look different from week to week, but regardless you should be able to get an idea of what will be happening in sessions. You also always have the option of telling your therapist what tools don't work for you, or what anxieties you may have around certain techniques (for example some people do not like doing art in counseling, so tell your therapist!).