Your first session will include questions about your personal history and details
of the issue that brings you to counseling. During that time, a plan will be developed
of your goals and how to achieve them.In the first session, you should arrive 10-15 minutes prior to the appointment to complete the paperwork necessary to engage in services. Your actual therapy appointment lasts 45-50 minutes (but not longer than 1 hour).
That depends on your situation and the intensity of your distress. Generally,
it is suggested that clients come approximately every two weeks until the clinician
suggests longer periods between appointments.Not necessarily – if so, it will be suggested. In order to have time to work on the things
explored in the session, two weeks usually works best. Weekly or (rarely) twice a week
therapy is suggested only for severe situations that require close monitoring by a clinical
professional. In the beginning, it is suggested that children (under the age of 10) go no
more than 3 weeks between appointments as it is difficult for them to remember what is
covered if a month or more elapses between appointments.
Most clients schedule several appointments in a row to be sure to get the time and day
that works best for them. Because of this, the schedule is often full for 2-3 weeks.
Possibly. I have a running cancellation list and you are at liberty to check the web schedule
for cancellations frequently. My scheduling assistant is excellent at getting people in as quickly
as possible. Please note that early morning and late afternoon appointments are a popular time
and fill up the fastest.
Please call as soon as possible or go to the website and cancel your appointment online.
Other clients are often waiting for a sooner appointment. If you fail to give 24 hours notice
and I am unable to fill the time with another client, a $98 no show/late cancellation fee will
be charged. After two missed appointments in a row, the fees must be paid or no further
appointments can be made and any on the books will be canceled.
Usually cognitive-behavioral brief short term solution-focused treatment but other interventions
may be used as appropriate.
It depends on how long the situation has been going on, how severe the circumstances
are that have prompted them to seek counseling, and how aggressively you follow the
recommendations made in the session. Generally, however, most clients end therapy
within 6 months of beginning.
No, only a medical doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant can do that. But if you
need a referral to someone who can, I will help with that.
Not unless you authorize it (i.e., your physician).
Only if you’re tired and then it is your request. Most people find a chair to sit in or the couch
to sit on throughout the session. With children, we often end up on the floor.
Only if you bring her up and want to discuss her.
It depends on the age of the child and the nature of the presenting issue. Teens are usually
seen alone for a majority of the session; whereas, children under 10 will spend a good
portion of the session with their parents in the room.
With children, card games, board games, art projects, therapeutic stories, and sand play
are a part of treatment. When using these tools, children are often unaware of much of the
discussion that occurs and as such, don’t have much to report afterward.
Not without their permission. They are also entitled to the privacy therapy offers. It is often
knowing that things will remain confidential that allows them to be more open about their concerns.
But I will share concerns for their safety or well being if appropriate. For most children, parents’
involvement in the session makes this issue of disclosure irrelevant.