Do I really need counseling?
If you are not feeling your regular self, of if life is just overwhelming at times, if you are having relationship issues or having trouble sleeping or concentrating, it is always helpful to talk to someone who can help you clarify your issues and give you some skills for handling them.
Why do we need a mediator?
When you are in any type of conflict that you can't seem to resolve or that might end up in a costly legal battle, or if you are just in need of some guidance, mediation is a great help.
How long does it take counseling to work?
It varies from person to person, from situation to situation, and your fit with a counselor. In the first place you need to have a good feeling and fit with the counselor. If not, your progress may be slow. You should have a sense that the person you are seeing seems to be very interested in listening to you without judgment and doesn't push you into making any decision, or is telling you too much about themselves. Most situations can be resolved in a few cessions where deeper issues such as abuse, developmental trauma, and other mental health issues may weeks or months. I good counselor will provide a brief inquiry, such as a temperament analysis, to get started.
Are you open on nights or weekends?
While most of the counseling occurs during "business hours", exceptions can be made for evenings and weekends.
What if I am having an emergency?
Depending on the emergency, if you have not begun counseling and you are considering suicide, call the national suicide hot-line at 1-800-273-8255 or 911. If you do have a counselor, that should be something that should be talked about early on in your first visit.
How do I choose a counselor?
If you have insurance of if your company has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), they may give you and list of people in your areas that has the skills and history of dealing with issues such are yours. If you don't feel right at the first session in the first session, don't hesitate to call back your insurance company or the EAP and telling them this was not a good fit for you.
What are my different options for treatment?
It all depends on what you are struggling with. One modality doesn't fit all problems, but it's good to find a counselor who has a wide base of studies and a great deal of experience. This is something that will be determined in the first few sessions.
Do you provide services for all ages?
Yes
How much will this cost?
Most of the time, if you our your partner has access to an EAP, there is no out-of-pocket expense, no co-pay, but there may be limitations to what it offered. Most EAPs have a number of sessions such as 3 or 5 or 8 per issue you have throughout the yea, so be careful how you describe your :issue". For example, anxiety or depression are big umbrellas. But under the umbrella are spokes, each of which are an issue that contributes to your anxiety or depression. Technically, EAP sessions could be endless, depending how you represent your issue. Your counselor may be able to help you. before your therapy could cross over to your health insurance, if behavioral health is provided. Call the number on the back of your health insurance and they will tell you what the cost or co-payment would be. If you have no insurance or EAP, talk to your counselor about a standard fee of a sliding scale.
What if I don't have insurance?
If your employer has an EAP, there may be not cost to you.
How do I know if counseling is working?
If you are not getting better, you may express that to your therapist or try someone else.
How do I get started?
Call the counselor (if one actually answers the phone) and get an impression on your conversation to set up the first session. Then you can decide if this sounds ok or you need to try someone else.
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