1. What's the difference between the terms "counseling, " "therapy" and "psychotherapy"?
In one sense, there are no differences since they all imply that you talk to a mental health professional to help solve various problems in your life. In another sense, there is a significant difference. I view the term counseling to mean that a short-term and very focused approach is taken toward solving the client's problems. I view the term psychotherapy to mean that a long-term and more in-depth approach is taken. (The term therapy is simply an abbreviated version of the term psychotherapy.)
2. What's the difference between a counselor, therapist, psychotherapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, marriage and family therapist, etc.?
At a basic level, there are no differences in that all of these mental health professionals talk to clients to help them solve their problems. At another level, there are significant differences in education and training that can impact the type of help you receive. For instance, typically the terms therapist, psychotherapist, psychologist and psychiatrist denote practitioners with a doctoral level of training, while the other terms denote practitioners with a master's level of training. But I believe that what determines how much a client resolves their problems while in treatment lies more within the client (such as the desire to get help and the determination to persevere until the goals of psychotherapy are met) and the counseling relationship that is built between the counselor and the client.
3. Will my counselor think I'm weird, crazy or sick?
No. In fact, I think that anyone who enters psychotherapy is courageous and should be commended for taking the necessary action to improve their situation.
4. How often do I come to therapy?
Clients are typically seen on a weekly basis during a standing appointment time until treatment has been terminated by either the counselor or the client. If you need to change your appointment from time to time, we ask that you verify your next appointment with your counselor at the end of each session. Changes in appointments may also be made by phone.
5. Will I be sent off to a mental hospital against my will?
No, this does not happen to most people. There are very few instances that would dictate hospitalization, namely, only when safety issues are a concern. Out of the general population, only a very small percentage ever need to be hospitalized for psychological reasons and even fewer are taken against their will. (Again, these few have to threaten harm to themselves or someone else.)
6. Will I fall apart if I start talking about upsetting thoughts and feelings?
For most people, the answer is no, at least not in terms of a "nervous breakdown" or crying uncontrollably. It is certainly possible that you may cry or feel anxious or upset. But many people feel relief after letting their feelings out during a session.
7. Am I a failure if I go to counseling?
No, I do not believe this to be true. However, the answer depends upon who you listen to. Unfortunately, many in our society still view a visit to a therapist as a sign of some inherent weakness or deficiency in the person. The good news is that many others are seeing this view as outdated and even foolish. I suggest that consulting a therapist be viewed the same as when one visits another professional, for example, a physician. While on the one hand we could say someone has a physical weakness if they get the flu and have to visit their physician, on the other hand we could say that person is wise to seek the help of a trained professional. I believe it is the same for an emotional or behavioral problem, that is, it is wise (not weak) to seek professional help.
8. Can't I just read a book, talk to a friend, pray about it, etc. and get the help I need?
You certainly can try that, but you may have already tried several of those methods. From my experience, most clients have already tried several avenues to deal with their problem by the time they come in for psychotherapy. If desired or necessary, prayer and spirituality may be integrated into the counseling approach to ensure you receive the most optimum outcome.
9. How do I know if I need to see a counselor?
One way to answer this question is to continue with the above metaphor, that is, you need to seek additional help when the container gets too full and strategies aimed at helping don't work. For example, you may find that talking to a friend or reading a self-help book doesn't change things for the better. Other indicators that you might want to a see a professional include: you know the problem is too big or complex to handle easily; others suggest you need to talk to someone or get help; you've tried numerous strategies over the years and have had some success with the issue but no real lasting or deep changes have occurred; or, you just don't seem to be reaching your full potential in your career and personal relationships.
10. What can I expect in the first session?
In the first session or "intake visit", you will be assessed to determine a clear understanding of what issue(s) you want to work on, how and to what extent the issue gives you difficulty or concern on a regular basis, what factors led to the development of the issue, and how we can address the issue in terms of working toward a solution. We will end the session by discussing how many sessions it is likely to take to attain your goals, as well as find a time and day each week to meet on a consistent basis.
11. Will what I say in therapy sessions be kept private and confidential?Generally, what you say in therapy sessions will be kept confidential. However, there are circumstances under which exceptions do exist. The following is not a complete list of exceptions to confidentiality but it does contain a few of the more common ones: 1) you threaten to harm yourself or someone else; 2) child abuse or neglect is suspected; 3) your treatment records are requested by subpoena; or 4) to collect payment for services rendered.
12. What are the fees and is therapy covered under my insurance plan?
Specific charges for our services are determined by the credentials of the counselor. We do not accept insurance payments at this time. Our competitive rates are slightly lower than average rates in the greater-Columbia area (See Fees & Services for more information).
