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Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat kind of people do you tend to work with? How many sessions would I need? What are the benefits of counseling? What is cognitive-behavioral therapy? What kind of people do you tend to work with? My clients are generally smart, successful people who are dealing with some sort of problem. They feel blocked in some area of their life, and are looking for ways to move forward. I work with men and women ages 18 and up. I have worked with professionals, students, and people who are unemployed. My clients have enriched my life greatly, as each one has had something to teach me about life and the human condition. I usually meet with clients once a week, but I am open to meeting more or less often as your situation requires. Individual sessions last 50 minutes. How many sessions would I need? The type of counseling I provide may last from a few weeks to several months. I believe in setting goals with my clients and providing the amount of counseling necessary—no more, and no less. The total number of sessions depends on several things: the complexity of your situation, your readiness for change, and how quickly we make progress toward your goals. I am generally available for weekday, evening, and Saturday appointments. When making an appointment, I will attempt to accommodate your schedule to the best of my ability. What are the benefits of counseling? Some of the benefits people receive from counseling are:
The degree of benefit you receive will depend on the “fit” (or match) between you and your therapist. Generally, the better the fit, the greater the benefit. Your active participation in counseling is also important. This means being open to new ideas and trying them out between counseling sessions. I also take an active role, offering you my complete attention during sessions, and thinking about how to help you reach your goals between sessions. What is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)? During difficult times our moods can shift, sometimes going deep into feelings like depression, anxiety, or anger. Depending on the situation, it may seem like we have little or no control over how our emotions respond. Yet our thoughts and beliefs can have a powerful effect on our feelings and actions throughout the day. CBT is about gaining greater awareness of your own thoughts, learning where they come from, and seeing their connection to your moods and behaviors. The therapy is practical, goal-oriented, and structured. The result is more effective management of your feelings, regardless of what happens in life. Research has shown CBT to be an effective treatment for a wide range of mental health issues.1 This type of therapy can lessen the effects of anger, depression, or anxiety. With coaching and support, I can help you learn how to make CBT work for you. 1Butler, A. C., Chapman, J. E., Forman, E. M., & Beck, A. T. (2006). The empirical status of cognitive-behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Clinical Psychology Review, 26, 17-31. Do you have trouble with focus? Or do you find yourself constantly judging others, yourself, or the world in general? Mindfulness is a way of gaining greater control of your own mind. It’s about letting go of distractions and judgment, and staying in the present moment. It’s also about working toward acceptance and not fighting reality. In counseling, the practice of mindfulness can be helpful if you feel burdened by worry, regret, fear, or other problems that hamper your ability to focus. If this sounds like you, let me teach you basic mindfulness skills. Too much stress seems to be a problem for nearly everyone. Responsibilities at home, school, or work add up quickly, causing problems like headaches, feeling irritable, and trouble sleeping. You might even add to your stress by not taking proper care of yourself. If stress has become a problem for you, I can help you find ways to manage it. With the information and practice I provide, you can add relaxation and healthy habits to your daily routine. Managing your stress can make a real difference in your life—one that’s noticeable to you and to others. |
