Making the decision to see a counselor can be anxiety-provoking! I hope to ease your discomfort by explaining a bit about what to expect.
Getting Started
Just give me a call at 971-708-0998 or send me a message. We'll talk a little bit about what you're looking for. If it sounds like I can be of help to you, we'll schedule a free, no obligation 30-minute consultation. During that first meeting, we'll get to know each other a bit and decide whether or not my services are a good fit for you. I'll explain in more detail what the counseling process is like, and you'll get a taste of my personal style. It's important that you are able to make an informed decision when choosing a counselor to work with--studies have shown that the most important aspect of counseling is the relationship you have with your counselor! I'm happy to refer you to other great professionals if needed.
Appointments
Aside from the initial 30-minute consultation, sessions are generally 50 minutes long. After the initial consultation, I'll send you an e-mail with a link to my online client portal. There, I'll ask you to complete some basic intake information. During our first one or two regular sessions, I'll focus on developing an understanding of your personal history and what you want from the counseling process. We'll formulate some goals and create a plan to achieve them. We might meet as much as once or twice a week or as little as once a month, depending on your needs. It's important that you arrive to appointments on time, as we will need to end promptly according to schedule. If you need to miss an appointment, I ask that you give me 24-hours advance notice. Otherwise, I will hold you financially responsible for the missed session. Extra consideration will be made for emergency situations.
Counseling Work
You can expect that the counseling process will sometimes be hard work. I may ask you to do some "homework" or practice outside of our sessions. That's important because it helps to create real, lasting change in your life--sort of like where the rubber meets the road. Things may seem to get worse for you before they get better, and that's perfectly normal. Change usually involves confronting things that are uncomfortable at first. It's difficult but worth it in the end!
Length of Counseling Process
The length of time we will work together varies depending on your goals and situation. Short-term counseling might be 3-5 sessions. Long-term might be up to a year or more. Of course, you're welcome to end the counseling process at any time. I just ask that we schedule an official ending session so that we can review our work and wrap things up. You are also welcome to take a break from counseling and return at a later date. We can discuss that option if you feel like it might be helpful to you.
Confidentiality
You can expect that I will keep your personal information confidential. Exceptions to that rule include times when you express a danger to yourself/others or you tell me about the abuse of a minor/elder/disabled person. My priority, by law, is to keep you and others safe. I may also be required to share some of your information/records if subpoenaed by a court of law. I do share client information with my supervisor in order to ensure that clients receive the best care possible from me. My supervisor maintains the same level of confidentiality as me. There may be occasions when I share limited information with other counselors during a consultation--again, a means to ensure that you receive the best care possible. In these situations, I will omit anything that might identify you as the client.
Honor and Respect
You can expect that I will respect you and honor your experience. I invite you to tell as much or as little of your story as you like. I will respect your individual process and decisions. As a counselor I am not really an advice-giver, though I may be more directive at some times than others. My primary role is to help you figure out and achieve your goals.