Here are a few questions that are common for those seeking services. . .

 

Is counseling right for me?

Seeking out counseling services is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people seek these types of services. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce, work transition or health care needs. Many seek advice or counsel as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Counselors can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. The services provided by Growth Pointe Wellness can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, and general life transitions. Services are right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.

Do I really need counseling services? I can usually handle my problems.

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through the difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out a professional. In fact, the services offered by Growth Pointe Wellness are for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they can benefit from seeking out a professional who can come alongside and assist you in establishing and maintaining a better overall sense of well-being.  By reaching out to a professional, you are demonstrating your commitment to change, growth, self-care and wellness.

How can counseling help me?

A number of benefits are available from participating in counseling/psychotherapy. Counselors/therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. They can also provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from counseling depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from counseling/psychotherapy include:

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• Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values

• Developing skills for improving your relationships

• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy

• Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety

• Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures

• Improving communications and listening skills

• Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones

• Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage

• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence  

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What is counseling/therapy like?

Every counseling/psychotherapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for counselors/psychotherapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. Counseling/Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For counseling/psychotherapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking counseling/psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of counseling/therapy:

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• Compassion, respect and understanding

• Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings

• Real strategies and skills for enacting positive change, growth and wellness

• Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance

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What happens during the first in office session?
 

When you arrive, please have a seat in the waiting room. If you haven't already filled out and supplied the necessary forms and you are meeting in-person, there will be a clipboard with  intake forms waiting for you. When it’s time for your appointment, I will greet you and invite you into my office. We will talk a bit about what you can expect from the service you request.  I will invite you to share your story --- why you are seeking help at this time and what goals you would like to accomplish. If all goes well, you and I will then decide how often to meet and what direction makes the most sense for our work together.

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Will I have to take medication?  

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The role of a counselor/therapist is not to prescribe meds, but to help you learn ways to better manage the issues that are causing you distress and move you toward personal growth and wellness. In some cases a combination of medication and supportive services like counseling, coaching or case management is the right course of action. Always consult your medical practitioner to determine what's best for you. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, counseling/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.

Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?

To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:

 

• What are my mental health benefits*?

• Do I have a deductible to meet before my benefits can be applied?

• What is the coverage amount per counseling/therapy session?

• How many counseling/therapy sessions does my plan cover?

• How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?

• Is approval/referral required from my primary care physician

 

*Insurance companies will not cover life coaching or case management services.

Are services confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and counselor/psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.

However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:

 

• Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.

• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.

• If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.

• When required by Court Order.