Robin Hanseth, MA

What takes place in a therapy 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. In following sessions, it is expected for you to talk about your primary concerns and issues in your life.   

Each session typically lasts for approximately  50 minutes.  Weekly sessions are usually the most beneficial, but I see some clients bi-weekly, or even only once a month.  When people are in a crisis or in extreme distress, I may see them more than once a week until the crisis passes.


What can I expect to get out of therapy? 

There are many benefits to therapy. You may be experiencing a problem and find yourself so wrapped up in it that you have lost perspective.  A therapist can help redirect you, offer feedback, and most importantly help YOU decide what is best for YOU.

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 will take away as much as they put into the therapy 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 therapy has had a tremendous affect on managing their relationships, work life, stress, and life transitions.

Is therapy confidential?

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

There are, however a few limits to confidentiality between client and therapist. 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 threat of serious harm to yourself or to others
* when a court order is received.
* when there is reasonable cause to believe that child or elder abuse/neglect has occurred.