Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Counseling?
Mental health counseling is a proactive process. Its purpose is making a positive impact on the overall life of a person. It helps an individual to lead a more fulfilling life, while addressing or removing certain negative thoughts and emotions or negative patterns of behavior.
Counselors differ somewhat in their approaches, but there are certain similarities that characterize the counseling process. In the beginning stage of counseling, I will ask questions, and we will talk about your concerns to gain a deeper understanding of you and your issues. As counseling proceeds, trust is developed and we will build a working partnership. Using a variety of approaches, as your counselor I will help you to explore your feelings, make your own decisions, and resolve your concerns. As you gain an understanding of yourself and your feelings, I will work with you to develop and improve your life skills. It should be noted that as you work to resolve your concerns, your stress level might increase temporarily as you are learning to change your patterns of behavior.
Counseling is provided in an open, honest and supportive atmosphere. I will respect you and your difficulties and will provide you with the best possible treatment.
How do I know I need counseling?
There are often times in life when certain issues or life events cause emotional distress, problems in relationships or change how we view ourselves. Often, individuals become overwhelmed with their emotions or their have problems in their relationships. They may have difficulty concentrating at work or school, withdraw from friends and family, or find their emotional pain to be unbearable. They feel anxious or unhappy for days at a time, can’t sleep, lose their appetite, or have problems communicating. A trained professional can help you through these difficulties and teach you the skills to handle issues and problems on your own. Problems that can be addressed in counseling are, but not limited to:
· Depression and/or anxiety
· Relationship and family issues
· Divorce
· Addictions
· Sexual abuse, domestic violence, trauma, PTSD
· Problems accepting life transitions
· Low self esteem
· Grief and loss
· Job stress
· Emotional difficulties as a result of disability, illness or chronic pain
What can I expect from counseling?
You will be treated with dignity and respect . Counseling is a collaborative process. We will work together to develop goals and a plan to address your concerns. You will be provided with tools, including recommended readings, worksheets, exercises and other assignments to help facilitate the counseling process. Counseling is not a place where you are given the answers, but rather a process wherein you are taught skills to improve your coping skills and given tools to learn how to live life with purpose and joy.
Mental health counseling is a proactive process. Its purpose is making a positive impact on the overall life of a person. It helps an individual to lead a more fulfilling life, while addressing or removing certain negative thoughts and emotions or negative patterns of behavior.
Counselors differ somewhat in their approaches, but there are certain similarities that characterize the counseling process. In the beginning stage of counseling, I will ask questions, and we will talk about your concerns to gain a deeper understanding of you and your issues. As counseling proceeds, trust is developed and we will build a working partnership. Using a variety of approaches, as your counselor I will help you to explore your feelings, make your own decisions, and resolve your concerns. As you gain an understanding of yourself and your feelings, I will work with you to develop and improve your life skills. It should be noted that as you work to resolve your concerns, your stress level might increase temporarily as you are learning to change your patterns of behavior.
Counseling is provided in an open, honest and supportive atmosphere. I will respect you and your difficulties and will provide you with the best possible treatment.
How do I know I need counseling?
There are often times in life when certain issues or life events cause emotional distress, problems in relationships or change how we view ourselves. Often, individuals become overwhelmed with their emotions or their have problems in their relationships. They may have difficulty concentrating at work or school, withdraw from friends and family, or find their emotional pain to be unbearable. They feel anxious or unhappy for days at a time, can’t sleep, lose their appetite, or have problems communicating. A trained professional can help you through these difficulties and teach you the skills to handle issues and problems on your own. Problems that can be addressed in counseling are, but not limited to:
· Depression and/or anxiety
· Relationship and family issues
· Divorce
· Addictions
· Sexual abuse, domestic violence, trauma, PTSD
· Problems accepting life transitions
· Low self esteem
· Grief and loss
· Job stress
· Emotional difficulties as a result of disability, illness or chronic pain
What can I expect from counseling?
You will be treated with dignity and respect . Counseling is a collaborative process. We will work together to develop goals and a plan to address your concerns. You will be provided with tools, including recommended readings, worksheets, exercises and other assignments to help facilitate the counseling process. Counseling is not a place where you are given the answers, but rather a process wherein you are taught skills to improve your coping skills and given tools to learn how to live life with purpose and joy.