Frequently Asked Questions
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- What is wrong with me? This is a question that
is asked by almost everyone who is experiencing emotional difficulty. I would
like to help you figure this out, and with a thorough assessment I am
confident that this can be done; Just remember that something may be
wrong, but you are not wrong; just because you are having problems does
not mean that you are at fault.
- Am I the only one who feels this way? No, you
are not the only one who feels this way. You would be astonished at the
number of people who are in therapy for depression, anxiety and a multitude of
other problems. In fact, most people need help at some point in their lives.
Unfortunately, many people lack an understanding of therapy and do not pursue
it even though it would be very helpful for them. It takes a tremendous
amount of strength to ask for help. Remember this!!!
- Will I be judged or criticized for having problems?
As a therapist, I am trained to maintain a nonjudgmental and unbiased
attitude. As a person, I believe that judging others is unfair and hurtful.
My goal is to help my clients, not judge them.
- Will I be blamed because my child/adolescent has
problems? No, you will not! Blaming does no one any good! I will work
with you to identify changes that you as a parent can make in effort to help
your child and make your own life less stressful. Examples of this include
teaching you new ways to discipline your child, and helping you cope with the
anger and frustration of parenting a child with behavior problems.
- Is it true that therapy is confidential? Yes,
it is except if you are actively suicidal and will not agree to refrain from
harming yourself, confidentiality can be broken. If you are going to
physically harm another person or have harmed a child, confidentiality can be
broken. If you are using your insurance to pay for your therapy, basic
information regarding your therapy may be requested. However, information is
never given to insurance companies without your consent. Exceptions to
confidentiality are reviewed with you during your first session. To put you
at ease, please know that it is rare that confidentiality must be broken.
Most clients never even have to think about this. Since effective therapy
begins with confidentiality, I do everything possible to preserve it.
- What do we do during the first session? The
first session consists of a thorough assessment that lasts approximately 1 ½
hours. After completing paperwork in the waiting room I will ask you (and
your child/family, depending on your circumstances) to talk with me about the
problems you are having. I will also ask a variety of questions about you and
your life in effort to get to know you. Later, I will share my assessment of
your problems and together we will develop treatment goals. I will then
decide what treatment approach, or type of therapy, will benefit you the
most. Usually this process takes a few sessions. If your problem is beyond
the scope of my expertise, I will refer you to another therapist. Also, if it
is determined that you need more intensive therapy than I can provide, I will
refer you to the appropriate facility or program.
- How often do I come to therapy? Typically, my
clients come to therapy one time per week, for a session that lasts 50
minutes. When needed, I will see a client twice weekly.
- How long does therapy last? This is a difficult
question to answer since each person’s problems and response to treatment is
different. However, we will discuss this as you progress in therapy, and I
can assure you that I will help you reach your goals in the most time
effective way possible.
- What if I need medication? Sometimes both
therapy and medication are needed. If we decide that this is the case for
you, then I will arrange for you a medication evaluation by your family
physician or a psychiatrist based upon your needs.
- What do I do if I can’t leave my job every week to go
to therapy? I work very hard to meet my clients’ scheduling needs. I
offer both weekend and evening appointments. I have also found that
most employers and schools are willing to make accommodations for people to go
to therapy appointments. I can also provide you with a note requesting that
you be excused from school or work and/or showing that you were at your
appointment.
- Will my insurance cover the cost of treatment?
Usually insurance will cover a significant portion of the cost of therapy.
Since I am very familiar with insurance companies and know the questions to
ask, I will be more than happy to spare you the hassle of this task. All you
have to do is give me the information on your insurance card and I will check
your benefits. If it is not feasible for you to see me then I will obtain
names of other therapists from your insurance company.
- What if I have more questions? Please do not
hesitate to call me if you have additional questions about the services I
provide. If I am not immediately available, please leave a message and I will
prioritize your call, contacting you as quickly as possible.
Mental Health Oklahoma City Family
Counseling Oklahoma City Marriage Counseling Oklahoma
City