Counseling Services
How long does Counseling take before I feel better?
Most people will report an improvement after just a few sessions. Brief treatment is usually completed in 12 sessions. Extended support treatment can continue for longer periods.
What will happen during counseling sessions?
I provide primarily communication based therapy. During sessions, you will be encouraged to express ideas, experiences and emotions through written and spoken words. "Communication-based" techniques rely on questions, discussions and journaling as opposed to physically-based techniques. I do not use physically based techniques but some examples would be play-therapy, art-therapy, medication management or bio-feedback type practices.
What is a diagnostic assessment?
Diagnoses are technical descriptions that sum up the nature and severity of mental health problems. They also give us an idea
of whether symptoms are likely to be short-term or long-term in duration. If I use a diagnosis, I will discuss it with you. All of the diagnoses I would provide come from the most current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSMIV). I have a copy in my office and will be
glad to go over it with you so that you can learn more about your diagnosis.
I am not a medical doctor and am not qualified to
evaluate your physical health status. The diagnosis I provide is of your mental health only.
Do I need a diagnostic assessment?
You may choose to forego the diagnostic assessment if you choose. However, some insurance companies require the information about your diagnosis, treatment and history which is obtained during the diagnostic assessment.
Can a report from my medical doctor replace the diagnostic assessment?
I will accept a diagnostic report from a qualified provider if it contains a details about the history, duration, symptoms,
severity and functional impairments.
What are the risks?
Approaching feelings or thoughts that you have tried not to think about for a long time may be painful.
Changes can be disruptive and challenging. You may find your sessions to be a source of strong
feelings, some of them painful at times. Most people I have worked with find that therapy is helpful.
What happens if I can't arrive on time?
If you have advanced notice, please call or text me no later than the day before scheduled sessions to reschedule.
If you will be late, as a courtesy, please text or call so that I know you plan on keeping your appointment.
I will not charge a fee for cancelations made at least 24 hours in advance.
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