Common Questions
Is Counseling Right For Me?
Seeking out counseling (also referred to as "therapy") is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to counseling. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek counseling as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a counselor can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Counseling can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Counseling is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.
Do I Really Need Counseling - I Can Usually Handle My Problems?
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life and, while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, counseling is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Counseling provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
How Can Counseling Help Me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in counseling. Counselors can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, goal-setting and the hassles of daily life. Counselors can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from counseling depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from counseling include:
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Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
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Developing skills for improving your relationships and navigating transitions
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Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek counseling
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Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
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Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
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Improving communication and listening skills
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Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
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Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
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Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
What Is Counseling Like?
Professional counseling is a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals.
Every counseling session is unique and caters to each individual and his or her specific goals. It is standard for counselors to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For counseling to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking counseling are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of us as your counselors:
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Compassion, respect and understanding
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Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
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Real strategies for enacting positive change
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Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance
Is Medication A Substitute For Counseling?
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. We are willing to collaborate with your medical doctor to determine what's best for you. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.
Is Counseling Confidential ?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and counselor/psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.
However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule.
Exceptions include:
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Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The counselor is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
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If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The counselor is required to notify the police.
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If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The counselor will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.
Is Counseling Confidential ?
What Types of Appointments
DoesAWC Offer?
To best meet the needs of my clients, Anchored Counseling and Wellness offers a variety of appointment types. Currently, I am offering in person sessions, virtual sessions held over Zoom, and outside/walking sessions at local parks, preserves, and trails. I have also found a 50-minute therapy model isn’t the best fit for everyone so I offer different appointment blocks including 30 minutes, 50 minutes, and 70–90-minute blocks. Depending on your personal needs and treatment plan, we will work together so you can get the most out our time together.
