Nobody’s problems or solutions are the same, though there are some commonalities in some problems. I’d like to be more specific and helpful, which is why one-to-one consultations are imperative.

Yes and no, at least, not in the sense this question is usually asked. I’m a Christian who is trained in psychological counseling, not pastoral counseling. I leave that up to pastors more experienced in pastoral counseling.

No

I often get referrals from clergy who feel there is still progress to be made. If you sign a release form, I can speak with them. Regarding the follow-up question, I won’t speak about God unless you do.

People have many different reasons for coming to psychotherapy. Some may be going through a major life transition such as unemployment, divorce, or a new job, while others find it difficult to handle stressful circumstances. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addiction, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts, and creative blocks. Therapy can help provide much-needed encouragement and skills to get them through these trying times. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking psychotherapy are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and make the necessary changes to overcome them.

It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be achieved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptoms, 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. Working with your medical doctor can help determine what’s best for you, and in some cases, a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action.

I do not take insurance.

That is something we will discuss.

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, therapy 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. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, redirect damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, treatment will vary depending on the individual. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session. Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be for a short- or long-term period, for a specific issue, to deal with more difficult patterns, or to fulfill your desire for personal development. Either way, it is better to establish regular sessions than to schedule visits on an as-needed basis.

It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of therapy is to integrate what you learn from the sessions into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process, such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors, or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives, and are willing to take responsibility for their lives.

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed outside of the therapist’s office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent.” Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your physician, naturopath, attorney, etc.), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.

However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

• Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including child protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
• If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming himself or herself, or has threatened to harm another person.

That’s a smattering of common questions. As you might imagine, there are too many to list here. Feel free to contact me with your questions. I’ll be happy to answer them the best I can.