Frequently Asked Questions

What is therapy like?

 

     The idea of therapy is often vague or confusing. Questions like "What do we do or talk about" often arise. Frequently, clients are concerned about feeling pressured to bring up things from the past they would rather forget. The experience of therapy is different depending on each individual's needs and goals. However, there are some things that are consistent for everyone. First, therapy is a safe space to talk about anything on your mind. Clients are protected by confidentiality laws so you don't have to worry about grandma finding out you never like her fruitcake or your uncle finding out that his jokes weren't actually funny. Second, what happens in therapy is largely up to the client. If there is something you don't want to talk about, we don't have to go there. Eventually you may be ready to address a hard thing, but there is no expectation for when or how that has to happen.  

 

How long will I need therapy?

 

     The length of engagement in therapy depends on many factors. First, a client (unless court ordered) decides when to start and end therapy. Once therapy begins, things that impact the length of treatment may include client engagement, frequency of appointments, issues being addressed, and the emergence of new concerns during the course of therapy. Some clients may be able to address the concern bringing them to therapy in just a few visits. Other clients choose to participate in therapy consistently over time because it provides ongoing benefits for their overall health and well-being. 

 

What concerns or issues are addressed in counseling?

 

     The topics addressed in a therapy session and over the course of the counseling relationship are largely determined by the client. Sometimes a therapist will notice themes and ask about concerns that may not have been brought up yet, but it is always up to the client to choose which concerns are addressed at any particular time. Counseling most often focuses on issues related to diagnosable mental health needs such as depression, anxiety, or traumatic stress. For concerns that do not specifically relate to a diagnosable mental health condition, coaching is a great option.

 

What is the difference between counseling and coaching?

 

     Counseling is an evidence based therapeutic approach which addresses specific mental health needs. A diagnosis is provided and the therapist and client create a treatment plan together. A client may be eligible for insurance reimbursement for mental health therapy services. Coaching is an action-oriented approach which focuses on achieving specific goals related to improved quality of life, but not specific to a mental health need or diagnosis. Coaching is not covered by insurance and does not include a diagnosis. It also does not include a treatment plan, but the client and coach will collaborate to create goals the client wishes to accomplish with the help and guidance of the coach. Therapists are regulated by licensing boards and professional organizations. Coaches do not have any specific licensing requirements, but a good coach adheres to high ethical standards including maintaining client confidentiality.

 

Will we really just talk for the entire session? How is talking about my problems going to fix anything?

 

     This is probably the most common question I hear when someone is debating whether to engage in counseling or coaching. There can be many reasons why the thought of talking about oneself for the better part of an hour feels uncomfortable. Thankfully, there is more to counseling and coaching than endless talking. Yes, we do talk quite a bit, but there are also opportunities to learn and practice skills, identify and practice communication strategies, and work through scenarios with the guidance of a professional. Both counseling and coaching can include hands on exercises utilizing art or writing, the exploration of culture and community, and mindfulness based practices. Whether a session is mostly talking or other types of activities is largely up to you as the client. The goal is always to meet your needs in the most effective way possible.