... growth is optional
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Therapy?
There are any number of good reasons why you might want to talk with a professional about your problems. People typically see a counselor because of feelings of anxiety or depression, which they would like to discuss with someone who is unbiased and impartial, someone who is not going to judge them. Psychologists are bound by confidentiality; what you discuss in the therapy room stays in the therapy room. This usually makes it much easier to discuss your problems. On the surface it may seem odd to tell a total stranger your problems: however, who would be better to talk to than a person who is not part of your personal life, who is objective and fair, who is trained to assist in emotional and psychological development?
How long does a session last?
Initial sessions are 1 hour, all subsequent sessions are 45 minutes.
Does going to therapy mean that I am “crazy”?
Quite the opposite, it means that you are acknowledging that you have a problem in your life that you would like to deal with, rather than letting it get worse. It takes courage to go and talk to a therapist, but the rewards are usually worth the risk of telling someone else about your life. Most importantly, psychotherapists are trained to help people with a wide variety of difficulties, including issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance abuse, eating disorders, sexual/physical/emotional abuse, trauma and PTSD, and many others.
What if I have an interview and don’t think you are the right person to help me?
If I am not the right person for you to work with, I will provide you with referrals for professionals who may be better able to serve you. My role is to assist you to find the help you need.
What about email and internet/chat therapy?
I do not engage in email and internet/chat therapy. This type of counseling is still very new, and there are many unanswered questions about how well it works and if it is an appropriate way to deliver therapeutic services. Furthermore, you should understand that email is neither a secure nor confidential means of communicating, so I cannot guarantee your confidentiality if you contact me via email. The best way to contact me is to call 810-733-0100 and leave a message if I do not answer. I will get back to you promptly if you leave me a message.
What is it like? What should I expect when I come in?
You can expect a warm, professional atmosphere. I will listen carefully to the problems that are motivating you to come in, and then we will jointly consider goals and the methods of achieving them.
Will my private life remain private?
Your counseling is completely confidential. I do not repeat anything you say to me in private. You do allow some limited access for your insurance company and there are rare occasions when this does not apply.
How long will I be in counseling?
The length of time a client is in counseling depends upon the nature of the problems and the goals of the counseling. Some clients have a very specific problem that can be solved in ten sessions or less. For many people psychotherapy is a process of discovery that can take a year or more. As much as possible we do set goals together and attempt to keep the process time-limited.
What if I want couples counseling, but my partner won’t come?
Unfortunately, sometimes one partner is not as willing as the other to come in for counseling. However, it is possible to improve a relationship with just one person involved in counseling. If you change yourself, the world around you changes.
Do I need to take medication?
We will answer that question together. Therapists do not prescribe medications. Based on a joint assessment of your symptoms and mood, it may be advisable to consult with your family doctor or a psychiatrist to determine whether medication is warranted.