Submitted by tomrue on
One-to-one private counseling or therapy for anxiety, trauma, grief, or depression, or other emotional/mental health issues.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is based on the idea that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors, not external things, like people, situations, and events. The benefit is that we can change the way we think to feel / act better even if the situation does not change.
Whole Person
I can not work in a vacuum. During our first session, I may ask for your permission to communicate with other providers of care and service who are in your life.
For example, depending on the date of your last comprehensive medical exam, I might ask you to visit your doctor for a check-up, and then consult with your doctor concerning lab results or other possible factors that might relate to your emotional well being.
If you see a psychiatrist or have had psychological testing in the past, it would be helpful for me to be able to review those findings; to be aware of what medications you are on, and what has or hasn't worked in the past; and of the overall plan you have for your future, your health, satisfaction, and wellness.
Most likely, I will ask you to sign similar consents for every doctor, court officer; and treatment provider that you see, so we not working at odds with each other. As a mental health counselor, I am not obligated to agree with your other practitioners, but I am obligated to respect them (and you) an communicate with them.
If you are a student, I might ask you (and your parents if you are under 18) to let me to speak with your school counselor or others about your progress or issues that might be getting in your way.
Of course, your consent is voluntary. You do not have to sign consents for me to communicate with anyone. However, sometimes, depending on the nature of treatment or service that you need, if you choose not allow communication with providers, I may may not be able to give the level of care that you need and deserve.
Confidentiality
All information I receive, everything you share with me, remains confidential. I can not disclose it to anyone without your written permission or a court order.
Exceptions
A couple of exceptions to this include:
- Cause to suspect a child has been abused or maltreated; and
- Threats to harm other people or kill yourself.
First Session
In our first session, I will listen to your description of why you have come. I may ask questions, take notes (maybe type some information). But I am most interested in getting a sense of your feelings, perceptions, goals, and what barriers are standing in the way.
The first session may include a mental status assessment or a substance abuse evaluation, if these are why you have come. However, I will keep my eyes and ears open. I may offer suggestions, but you (as an individual, couple, or family) will determine the counseling plan.
It might be helpful to bring along with you copies of any records or other materials that you think would help give me a clearer understanding.