Frequently Asked Questions
What is therapy and how can it help me?
The therapeutic process is a partnership between client and therapist where they work together to assist the client on areas of dissatisfaction in their life or assist them with their life goals. As a client, the outcome of this process depends on a number of factors such as your level of motivation, your desire to change, keeping appointments, putting forth effort to complete tasks agreed upon during your therapeutic sessions, and your willingness to be open with your therapist and engage in this process.
Therapy can help by providing a safe space for you to open up about your concerns. You may work with your therapist to gain an understanding of issues that are causing you difficulty in your life and your therapist may help in exploring coping skills to help navigate these issues. It may also help you gain a better understanding of your patterns of behavior and thinking.
What can I expect from the first session?
Due to the nature of the first counseling session, it may feel quite different from the general expectations of what “counseling” is. There are several specific questions that are designed to understand you and your mental health needs. The first session can last up to 75 minutes and may feel more like an interview. After the initial session, we’ll work together towards your goals for the therapeutic process.
How long does therapy take?
Our goal isn’t to keep you in therapy forever! We’ll work together to develop goals and work towards achieving them during your sessions. The length of sessions will depend on what your goals are and what you’d like to achieve during our sessions together.
Is everything I say during sessions confidential?
Your information and what you say during sessions is protected by law and confidential. Information can not be disclosed without written permission. However, there are a few exceptions to this confidentiality.
If we believe you are a danger to yourself or others, we will contact the appropriate emergency services or contact a friend/family support.
If you disclose information that causes us to believe or suspect a minor, elderly, or disabled person is being abused/neglected, we are required to notify the appropriate authorities within 48 hours. We will comply with this requirement.
If a court order or legal proceeding requires disclosure, we will comply with these requirements.
If you’d like more information about the limits of confidentiality and our practice policies, please check out the documents below.
Notice of Privacy Practices
Practice Policy & Informed Consent
As a parent, am I allowed access to all that happens during a counseling session for my child?
As a parent of a minor, you are legally allowed access to the records and proceedings of a counseling session for your child. However, it may be best to allow for building rapport and trust between your child and his/her therapist. This can be incredibly valuable to the therapeutic relationship and can foster a sense of trust that can be of immense benefit to achieving the goals for which your child is in therapy