Counseling Services FAQS
ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT COUNSELING
1. When should I seek counseling?
There are certain times in our lives when we might need some help addressing problems and issues that cause us emotional distress or make us feel overwhelmed.
When you are experiencing these types of difficulties, you may benefit from the assistance of an experienced, trained professional. Some situations that cause emotional stress include, but are not limited to:
- Anxiety, depression, and other mental and emotional problems and disorders
- Family and relationship issues
- Substance abuse and other addictions
- Sexual abuse and domestic violence
- Eating disorders
- Career change and job stress
- Social and emotional difficulties related to disability and illness
- Adapting to life transitions
- The death of a loved one
2. Does therapy really work?
Sometimes it does, and sometimes it doesn’t. It really depends on you and the therapist. It is important to share your concerns in a serious, sincere, and open manner. Only if you are completely honest and open, can you expect to receive the best support and advice.
3. Who are professional counselors?
Licensed professional counselors provide quality mental and emotional health care to millions of Americans. Professional counselors have a master’s or doctoral degree in counseling or a related field which included an internship and coursework in human behavior and development, effective counseling strategies, ethical practice, and other core knowledge areas.
4. What makes New Perspectives unique?
New Perspectives is unique because we have a deep understanding of the current, ever changing, fast-paced, and multifaceted challenges that individuals, families, and couples are facing.
There are problems today that families, as recently as twenty years ago didn’t have to deal with, or at least did so very minimally; issues such as internet relationships and internet cheating, same sex couples and the adjustment issues their families face, and many others.
At New Perspectives, we have modified our practices and interventions in recognition of the fact that the world we live in today is very different from the world of generations past. However, we acknowledge that issues of generations past continue to affect our lives presently and we must address those issues as needed.
5. How long does counseling last?
Counseling ends when the problem that you sought help for becomes more manageable or is resolved.
However, some insurance companies and managed care plans may limit the number of sessions for which they pay. You should check with your health insurance provider to find out about any limitations in your coverage. During the first few counseling sessions your counselor should also discuss the length of treatment that may be needed to achieve your goals.
6. Is everything I say confidential?
Confidentiality is an essential part of therapy, and the patient has the right to control access to information about his or her treatment.
Professional association guidelines, plus federal and state laws, underscore the importance of confidentiality in therapist-client relationships and also govern the release of your records. Some insurance companies require certain information from the therapist as a condition of payment, but that information can be released only if you give written permission.
7. What will happen when I talk to a counselor?
When you talk with a counselor you get a chance to talk about anything that is on your mind. The counselor will listen to you and not judge you. He or she will then ask you some questions, provide support, perspective and some helpful suggestions.
8. What should I expect from counseling?
When you decide to start talking with a counselor you should expect to meet with a person who will get to know you pretty well, and who will show you genuine care and concern.
You will build a relationship with your counselor during your meetings. Counselors understand that it takes a lot of courage to go into counseling and often takes time to get used to talking and sharing your problems. It’s hard to tell on the first session if you feel comfortable enough with your counselor to talk about the things that really matter to you. Give it a chance.
If, after a few visits, you still don’t feel comfortable with your counselor, then you will have a chance to choose another counselor. This is completely fine. Since you’ll be talking about sensitive issues, you deserve to have a therapist who you feel totally safe and comfortable with.
9. What kind of questions will the therapist/counselor ask me?
On your first visit, the counselor may ask you many questions about your life and how you’ve been feeling during the past year. The type of help that your counselor offers you will depend on what you tell them and the kind of relationship that you develop. Teenagers often bring their family members or other significant people to some of their counseling sessions to help improve communication in those relationships. But this is not a requirement.
10. In case of an emergency, do you have an ‘on-call’ system?
Yes. If you’re facing an emergency please call our office and the counselor on call will help you.