What happens in counseling sessions? Counseling is a process of learning and growth, centered in the client (you) and facilitated by the counselor (Rhea). You are involved by choice and may share significant information about yourself and your life. Goals are clarified mutually between you and me as part of the counseling process. Goals may include your expanded awareness and knowledge, as well as behavioral and lifestyle changes. [top] How comfortable will I be - are there "side effects"? You should feel safe in any counseling situation. In addition, it's my job to help you feel accepted and as comfortable as possible with whatever problems you bring. I am not a judge, nor a doctor who knows it all with you as patient. I have extensive training and experience in helping people with relationships, sexuality, and successful living. Ideally both process and outcome of counseling are positive; but you may feel emotional pain and upset at times, which is often part of expanding your awareness and personal growth. One purpose of professional counseling is to provide support for you during such normal anxious responses, should you experience them. Periods of anxiety may be positive, as they are often part of change and therefore part of fulfilling your life-changing goals. [top]My goal for you is lasting change, including healing where needed, for you to be as happy and healthy as you can be in life and relationships. Why settle for less? In the process of change and growth, there are no guaranteed results, nor cures. Everyone is an individual and, essentially, you are responsible for your own results. You must put to use what you learn, and work to change. [top]How do I know when I'm finished with counseling? Termination or completion of counseling is ideally determined between you and I during session, but you may choose to conclude at any time. If you decide to stop counseling without a discussion with me, I cannot share responsibility for any effects of early termination, but I always respect your choices. [top] Who will know that I'm seeing a therapist? Discourse and information exchanged as part of counseling sessions are confidential and protected by law as privileged information. There are, however, legally sanctioned exceptions to confidentiality. I would have to tell other professionals or persons that you are in counseling, and possibly some content of sessions, if and ONLY if:
What if my spouse/partner comes to an appointment without me - will you tell him/her what I said? If individual members of a family or couple who are in counseling together are also seen separately, confidentiality applies to their individual sessions. In other words, I will not tell your partner what you told me without your permission, nor will I tell you what your partner said in a session, without his/her permission. For more information on client rights, laws regulating practitioners, or to file a complaint contact the California Psychology Board or log onto pscyhboard.ca.gov [top] Time and money - how long and how much? People are busy and most don't have unlimited income, even for something as important as help with a happy life and fulfilling relationships. However you must consider what your life and marriage, family, self, or partnership is worth to you. If you are consulting me, you are unhappy enough to reach out and you know you need help with change. No one can predict how many sessions will be needed for the desired positive results - we have to find out together. Studies show that lasting change usually requires regular meetings of once or twice a week for several months, but longer or shorter-term counseling may also be needed and effective. It depends on what kinds of issues and problems we are dealing with, how long things have been going on, and how you respond to change, among other factors.
More information about fees can be found on our fees page. [top] We are in process of becoming providers for several insurance companies, however we do not now accept payment by insurance companies. You are responsible for payment. We can often pre-approve reimbursement to you by your insurance company, and we will provide you with information necessary for you to file for reimbursement. There is more information about insurance and counseling on our fees page. [top] What if I miss an appointment? My job is to help you, and others. I have special training of many years to do so. It may seem counter to helping people to charge money for it, or to be firm about attendance at sessions. However, people actually need to know that they are expected to show up as planned, and that our financial agreement is part of our commitment to making their life work. I must run my practice as a formal business, or I won't be able help anyone. Therefore, I must uphold the following two policies: Appointments missed or cancelled with less than 24-hour notice will incur a charge of the full fee for one appointment, EVEN UNEXPECTED EMERGENCY. The reason that you cannot make it does not change the cost of my time or the loss to someone else who may have needed that time in your place. CLIENTS BOOKING APPOINTMENTS ONE AT A TIME MUST PAY AHEAD FOR ONE APPOINTMENT TO COVER THE EVENT OF A MISSED SESSION. Clients on a package plan will be charged one session from their package for a missed session. [top]
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