Counseling FAQs

 

 

How long are counseling sessions?

Counseling sessions last between 45-50 minutes for individual and couples counseling. For couples counseling, I recommend scheduling an 80-minute appointment to get the most out of your sessions. I offer Intensive Couples Therapy for couples who need support and counseling and desire to create change in a relatively short amount of time. These sessions are offered as half-day, full-day, or multi-day sessions. EMDR Therapy is offered as either a 50-minute or 80-minute session.

 

How long will I be in counseling?

Length of counseling will depend on the complexity of the issues you are working on and how quickly you progress in therapy. It will be different for every person. Generally, you will start counseling once or twice a week, depending on the severity of the symptoms you are experiencing. Sessions will eventually decrease to once every other week, once a month, and so on. The ultimate goal is for you to no longer need a therapist. In some instances, maintenance therapy may be an option. Maintenance therapy involves scheduling sessions once a month to help maintain your goals.

 

When will I start to feel better?

This will vary from person to person, but usually clients will feel some level of relief after their first session. Others may experience relief much later in the therapeutic process as they start to make actual changes in their life.

 

Is counseling confidential?

Yes. Everything you share in our therapy sessions will be kept confidential. There are 4 exceptions to this rule: 1) You disclose that you plan on harming yourself; 2) You disclose you plan on harming someone else; 3) You disclose there is child or elder abuse/neglect occurring; or 4) A judge subpoenas your records.

 

Will you prescribe medication?

No. I am not licensed to prescribe medication, however if I feel that medication would be helpful for you, I will work closely with your prescribing physician/psychiatrist to ensure your quality of care with your permission.

 

Do you take insurance?

I currently do not accept insurance, but will provide necessary documentation for you to seek reimbursement from your insurance company as an out of network provider. If you are not utilizing a health savings account or a flexible spending account, you may want to talk to your accountant about setting that up.

 

Does going to counseling mean something is wrong with me?

No. In fact, seeking counseling means you are being proactive and taking care of your mental health and/or your relationship. People seek out counseling for all sorts of reasons. Seeing a psychotherapist doesn’t mean you’re “crazy” or “something’s wrong with you.” It actually means just the opposite. It shows you have enough insight and courage to realize you need an outside perspective to help you start feeling better. Our mental health and physical health both exist on a continuum meaning they are constantly changing. Sometimes our mental health may struggle from time to time. It’s best to seek help as soon as you start to notice an issue. The sooner you seek help, the more likely your mental health will get back on track quickly and you will be able to return to feeling like yourself again. The same is true for your relationship, the sooner you seek out help, the better.

 

What geographic areas do you serve?

My office location in El Dorado Hills allows me to serve clients in Greater Sacramento, California areas including Roseville, Rocklin, Elk Grove, Granite Bay, Davis, Auburn, Placerville, Gold River, Orangevale, Cameron Park, Loomis, Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Rancho Cordova, Jackson, Rancho Murieta, Shingle Springs, and Natomas areas. I also offer online counseling appointments for California and Nevada residents.