How do I find the right counselor for me?
Counseling is as much an art as it is a science. Each counselor has a personal style that may or may not fit with your personal style. Things to ask yourself when meeting with a counselor:
- Do I like this counselor?
- Do I feel safe with this person?
- Does it feel like this counselor cares about me and my progress?
- Am I able to discuss these issues with this counselor without them taking it personally?
- Is this counselor knowledgeable in the issues I’m dealing with?
How long does counseling usually last?
At the beginning of our therapeutic relationship I’ll try to give you an idea of how long you can expect to be in counseling. Although there is no absolute answer here are some things that can determine your length of therapy:
- The specific issues of your story
- The level of support you currently have outside of counseling
- How much emotional energy you’re able to devote to the process outside of the counseling sessions.
Is counseling going to be hard?
I tell my clients that we grow best when we are safe but uncomfortable. Many of the things we talk about are related to difficult experiences and feelings. If you are finding it difficult to talk about the painful things there are many tools and resources available to make it easier to discuss these issues. Keep in mind, you will never be forced or tricked into talking about or doing things you don’t want to do.
Isn’t a counselor just going to tell me blame my parents and that nothing is my fault?
No credible therapist would suggest that parents are solely to blame for any one particular issue. We are complex beings that are influenced by our own temperments, family dynamics, environmental factors, personal choices, and the choices of others. While I believe in understanding as many of these issues as possible I never desire to see families destroyed.
How do I know I can trust you?
Trust comes from time and shared experience together. To ensure the safety of my clients (and myself) I have a thorough set of policies and procedures I follow. Very early in the therapeutic relationship (usually around the 3rd or 4th session) we go over those policies together and agree to an established set of shared expectations.
Still have a question you’ d like answered?
Feel free to email me with any questions you may have. Be sure to include your contact information so I can get back to you. Email me here.