I have never done counseling before, what is it like?

Counseling offers a very unique opportunity to explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe nonjudgmental environment.  You will spend time discussing what is happening in your life.

How is Counseling different than just listening?

As a counselor I have been taught through my clinical training to ask good questions to help individuals come to their own understanding.

How long will I be in counseling?

A good answer to this question is “it depends.”  It has to do what you need and what you want. I am very careful to listen to your emotional needs and your more practical financial needs.  If meeting one time a month works better for you and your budget, we can make that happen. If you want to meet 2 times a month or even weekly that is also an option.  As a counselor, I am always “working myself out of a job.” We will end therapy when you are ready.

I am not sure how talking to someone can help, I mean how does it change anything?

Being able to look at a problem or situation from different angles, to hear yourself talk about it, to get it out of your head and off your chest can be therapeutic.  When we get what is inside of us out, something wonderful happens and we feel lighter.

What if I don’t like the advice you give?

As a counselor it is not my job to give you advice.  I believe as did, Carl Rogers, that you have within you everything you need to be the person you were created to be.  I believe rather than offering you advice my job is to simply help you discover your own answers.

What is counseling and are there different kinds?

Counseling is an excellent means to help people work through the problems they are experiencing, so they can more on and enjoy a life that is productive and fulfilling. There are several different counseling theories and approaches. Counseling is different from other professions in that you will spend more time with your counselor than you would with your physician. So finding a counselor you feel comfortable with is the most important consideration.

What should I expect? Do I need to prepare for anything?

The best way to prepare for the first session is to think about and answer the question, “Why I called?” That will help your counselor to understand more about you and what coping strategies you have already been using.

I feel fine. Do I still need counseling?

Honestly, although most people can benefit from counseling, we usually don’t seek out help until we have exhausted our resources. So the answer is yes, if you are interested in exploring a decision that is coming up, processing life events. or learning coping strategies, then counseling could provide a great opportunity for that.

How can I recommend counseling to a family member/friend?

It can be helpful to remember that counseling is most successful when a person has initiated it themselves. You can encourage your loved one, get names and numbers of professionals in their area, but the final choice to come needs to be the family member or friends.