* What takes place in a counseling session?

Our first meeting is called an "intake" session. In this session I will ask you general questions about why you have come to counseling and also discuss your goals for counseling. In following sessions, it is expected for you to talk about your primary concerns and issues in your life.  I will provide the space to process your thoughts and feelings and offer tools that might be helpful along with insights where applicable.

Each session lasts for approximately 50 minutes. Weekly sessions are usually the most beneficial, but I see some clients every other week and others only once a month. If you are in a crisis or in extreme distress, I may see you more than once a week until the crisis passes.


* What can I expect to get out of counseling? 

There are many benefits to counseling. You may be experiencing a problem and find yourself so wrapped up in it that you have lost perspective.  A counselor can help redirect you, offer feedback and most importantly offer you a safe place for you to process your thoughts and feelings.

Often it is helpful just to know that someone else understands. The counseling office can be a great place to explore your relationship with yourself.  Personal growth and directional insights will come from understanding yourself better.  

People tend to take away as much as they put into the counseling process.  It is important for you to put into practice the things discussed in session for lasting improvements in your life.  Many people have stated that counseling has had a tremendous affect on managing their relationships, work life, stress, and life transitions.

* Is counseling confidential?

One of the many reasons why so many people turn to counseling is for this reason. The confidentiality of your counseling is protected by law. Your written consent is required to release any information.

There are, however a few limits to confidentiality between Client and Counselor. Information may be released without your consent ONLY under the following circumstances as outlined by law:

    * When there is reasonable cause to believe that there is a threat of serious harm to          yourself or to others.

    * When a court order is received

     * When there is reasonable cause to believe that child, elder  or dependent adult               abuse/neglect has occurred.