What is Counseling?
Counseling or Psychotherapy is a healing process in which clients can;
- Understand places in their lives that they have become stuck emotionally
- Overcome their fears or insecurities
- Cope with stress
- Understand past trauma
- Define their symptoms
- Develop a genuine sense of self
- Identify triggers
- Improve relationships
- Establish a stable routine
- Define personal wellness goals
- Develop a plan for coping with crisis
- Eliminate destructive behaviors
- Process spirituality
What are the Benefits of Counseling?
- Stress reduction
- Increase in positive thinking and feelings
- Improved interpersonal relationships
- Increase in self confidence
- Increased capacity for intimacy
- Experiencing joy in life.
*These benefits require substantial effort on the client’s part, including an active participation in the therapeutic process, honesty, and a willingness to change feelings, thoughts and behaviors.
Are There Any Risks to Counseling?
Psychotherapy may have the risk of discomfort from remembering and discussing unpleasant events, feelings and experiences. The process may evoke strong feelings of sadness, anger, fear, anxiety, etc. There may be times in which I will challenge your perceptions and assumptions, and offer different perspectives. Sometimes in the process, clients may feel worse prior to feeling better. This is because personal change is hard! It takes strength, courage, dedication, passion, and motivation to accomplish goals.
How Long Does Therapy Take?
Sessions are scheduled in 50 minute or 75 minute appointment blocks based on your needs.
Due to the complexity of each client’s unique situation, I cannot predict the exact length of therapy or guarantee a specific outcome. Personal growth and change may be easy and swift at times, but may also be slow and frustrating. Some clients might only attend a few sessions while others may attend therapy for a few years. I believe therapy is complete when you have accomplished your current goals.
Is Counseling Private?
Yes! Confidentiality is the core to successful counseling. Your information is protected both legally and ethically. However, there are times that a counselor legally has to break confidentiality and share your personal information. These include: risk of harm to yourself (i.e. suicide), risk of harm toward others (i.e. homicide), or child or elder abuse. In rare instances, your information may have to be released with a court order or subpoena.
How Do You Handle Mental Health Emergencies?
Your safety is number one priority! If you are feeling suicidal or homicidal you should call 911 immediately or go to your nearest emergency room.
I am available for phone coaching and crisis intervention throughout the day. If you do not reach me, please contact the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-877-YOUTHLINE
*For more information go to http://www.suicidehotlines.com/colorado.html