Frequently Asked Questions
HOW CAN COUNSELING HELP ME? Mental health therapy offers a supportive and non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, fostering self-awareness and insight. Through therapeutic interventions and strategies, individuals can develop coping skills, build resilience, and work towards achieving improved mental well-being.
WHAT IS COUNSELING LIKE? In an intake session, mental health counseling typically involves gathering essential information such as personal history, current concerns, and goals for therapy. This initial meeting often sets the foundation for the therapeutic relationship, where the counselor and client collaborate to establish trust and outline a treatment plan. In regular therapy sessions, clients engage in deeper exploration of their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Working with the counselor, clients will identify patterns, challenge negative beliefs, and develop practical strategies for managing their mental health concerns. These sessions provide a safe and confidential space for clients to express themselves, receive support, and make meaningful progress towards their therapeutic goals.
WHAT IF MY TEEN DOES NOT WANT THERAPY? Therapy with teenagers can be difficult for all those involved, so it makes sense if there is some apprehension! We ask that the teenager attends one therapy session, and from there we will communicate with the whole family to see if there is a proper therapeutic fit. Collectively/Additionally we’ll discuss how to make the teenager more comfortable, and options to make therapy a great experience for all involved!
ARE SESSIONS CONFIDENTIAL? Yes! Therapy sessions will be confidential, but with specific limits to confidentiality. In Georgia, mental health professionals are mandated to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect, elder abuse or neglect, or threats of harm to self or others. Additionally, confidentiality may be breached if a court subpoenas records or if there is a duty to warn or protect someone from imminent harm.
WILL YOU TELL ME WHAT MY CHILD/TEEN SAYS IN THERAPY? While it may be difficult for many parents, preserving the therapeutic trust between the client and clinician is incredibly important. While parents will always have an understanding as to what their child/teen is working on in therapy, nuances of the session will remain private. With that being said, parents will always be contact if there is any concern for the child's wellbeing, therapeutic progress, and safety.
HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED TO ATTEND THERAPY? As part of our individualized approach, you and your therapist can work out a schedule that is most beneficial to achieving your treatment goals, while remaining realistic with your schedule! For higher actuity concerns, clients can expect the potential for weekly sessions. For lower acuity concerns and more generalized therapy work, clients can potentially attend therapy biweekly, monthly, or quarterly!