About Therapy
Because you will be putting significant time and energy into counseling, you should choose a counselor carefully. I strongly believe you should feel comfortable with the counselor you choose and feel hopeful about the counseling you receive. Counseling is not easily described in general statements. It varies depending on the personality of both the counselor and the client, and the particular issues which the client brings to work on in counseling. There are a number of different theoretical approaches that can be utilized to address the issues you hope to address. Unlike visiting a medical doctor, counseling requires a very active effort on your part. In order to be most successful, you will have to work on things we talk about both during our sessions and at home.
Most psychological and emotional processing and healing occurs outside the counseling session. I therefore may ask you from time to time to do “homework.” This is designed to help you to apply what happens in a counseling session to your daily life. If you have any concerns about your ability to complete outside "homework," please discuss it with me first. I will be asking you about your assignment during your next visit.
Counseling is about you. It is not about changing someone else. Fortunately, because of how we interact with others, you can expect that others may change their behavior when you change your behavior. While there are many uses for the term counseling, it is not about financial counseling, medical advising, or family planning. Counseling is not about me giving you advice. You will make decisions that are appropriate for you. My job is to help you through the decision-making process. Sometimes I may be more directive in telling you how to achieve your goals but you are the one who creates and achieves these goals. The key to remember is that personal counseling should be focused on you.
The Benefits and Risks of Therapy
Counseling has both benefits and risks. Risks sometimes include experiencing uncomfortable feelings such as fear, sadness, guilt, anxiety, anger, frustration, loneliness, and helplessness. Counseling often requires discussing unpleasant aspects of your life. Counseling has been shown to have benefits to those who participate in the process. Counseling often leads to a significant reduction in feelings of distress, improved relationships, and resolutions of specific problems. However, there is no guaranteed outcome.
The first session is an opportunity for you to assess whether I can help you. It is also an opportunity for me to gather information and to asses whether I can be of help to you. The first session may involve a 45 to 50 minute intake evaluation. After this first session, you and I can identify specific problem areas and create goals and steps to achieve those goals. These goals can later be modified, but goal achievement should always be a consideration. After looking at your specific problems, I may determine that I am not the best or most appropriate person to help you get the assistance you need. If I feel that I cannot help you, I will help you find an appropriate referral. You have a right to choose counselors who best suit your needs and purposes.
About Confidentiality
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communication between a client and a counselor, and I can only release information about our work to others with your written permission. However, there are a number of exceptions.
If I believe that you are threatening serious bodily harm to others, I am required to take protective actions, which may include notifying the potential victim, notifying the police or others with the authority to intervene, or seeking appropriate hospitalization. If I believe that a child, elderly person, or a disabled person is being abused (i.e. a person unable to care for him/herself), I may be required to file a report with the appropriate state agency. I may have to file a report even if that person is you.
If you threaten to harm yourself, I may be required to seek hospitalization for you, or to contact family members or others who can help provide protection.
In most judicial proceedings, you have the right to prevent me from providing any information about your treatment. However, in some circumstances such as child custody proceedings and proceedings in which your emotional condition is an important element, a judge may require my testimony if he/she determines that resolution of the issue before him/her demands it. These situations rarely occur but you have a right to know the limits of confidentiality. Should such a situation occur, I will make every effort to fully discuss it with you before taking any action.
If I need to talk with someone or get information relevant to your care, a psychiatrist, for example, I must first get your permission. I have a separate form requesting an exchange of information. This form is a legally binding agreement.You may rescind your permission at any time except to the extent that information has already been shared.
Medication Management
In some cases, psychiatric medications could be a very effective complementally treatment in addition to the talk therapy. I can refer you to the psychiatrist on site whom I can closely consult with and monitor your medication treatment.
In some cases, psychiatric medications could be a very effective complementally treatment in addition to the talk therapy. I can refer you to the psychiatrist on site whom I can closely consult with and monitor your medication treatment.
Insurance
I am a preferred provider for:
Regence, First Choice (KPS), Premera, Aetna, Cigna, Magellan, Molina, LifeSynch, L&I, Crime Victims. Please check your coverage (the number of the sessions allowed, deductible, pre-authorization requirement, the coverage amount for each session, etc.) before the first session.
