QUESTIONS
Why Counseling?
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, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
Is it confidential?
In general, everything you tell me during therapy remains confidential between you and me. You may, in written form, permit me to talk to other people about your case. There are two specific circumstances that I will need to break confidentiality for and am required by law to protect you and others from such actions:
Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders will be reported to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
If I suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threated to harm another person.
How Long?
I prefer to see people weekly for a 50 minute session. My experience is that this provides the best momentum for creating and sustaining change in their lives.
How long depends on several factors: your reason for coming, the nature of your problem and the degree to which you would like to address them. Obliviously you have the option to terminate counseling at any time, but I generally prefer to come to mutual decision about when is an appropriate time to end therapy.