1. What types of problems do people typically come to counseling with?


It is a common misconception to think that only seriously ill or "crazy" people can benefit from counseling help. Studies show that over eighty percent of people can benefit from counseling at some time in their lives. So, it is normal to need counseling when special concerns or difficult feelings arise. Most people have a problem with anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, etc., at some point.

Clients come to counseling with a range of problems. Many have issues related to their normal development such as identity or relationship issues. Others are dealing with more specific psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress (PTSD), bereavement, substance abuse, or eating and body image issues. Some clients are not sure what the problem might be but just know they are not functioning or feeling the way they normally do. They might notice having a harder time studying, eating or sleeping too little or too much, or otherwise just not meeting their day-to-day obligations. A counselor can help clients sort out what is wrong in order to help get clients back on track. Don't put off seeking counseling or therapy. If you are considering it, this is an indication that you probably could benefit from the experience. 

2. Do I need therapy?

If you are considering therapy, your reasons are valid ones. Trust your judgment. Consider how you might benefit from talking to a therapist about yourself and your circumstances. Making the call is the first step in the right direction.  Here are some indicators that you will benefit from psychotherapy or counseling services:

 

• You are interested in pursuing change.

• There is a curiosity about self-discovery.

• You feel ready and able to self-disclose.

• There has been a sudden change in life circumstances, or you are going through a life transition.

• You find yourself sorting through the past and feel the need to put life experiences into perspective and gain some clarity.

• You need support and do not want to burden family or friends.

• You are interested in a reliable, informed, and objective point of view.

• There is a specific behavioral or emotional problem that is affecting your happiness, quality of life, or ability to cope.

• You have experienced loss, illness, job dissatisfaction, financial struggles, or relationship difficulties.

• You are embracing a new beginning.

• You might question, “How could this have happened to me?” or “Who am I, really?” or "Who am I now?”

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3. Does therapy help?

Yes, taking the time for therapy most definitely helps.  Here is what therapy can do:

• Understand your personality, your coping strategies, and your present difficulties

• Define and reach wellness goals and strive toward health

• Overcome fears or insecurities

• Cope with stress

• Make sense of past traumatic experiences

• Bring perspective to present experiences

• Separate your true personality from your mood swings

• Identify triggers that may worsen your symptoms

• Improve relationships with family and friends

• Plan for the future

• Understand your needs

• Establish a stable, dependable routine

• Feel more self-reliant and self-secure

• Understand why things bother you and what you can do about them

• Modify unhealthy behavior and long-standing patterns

• Navigate life’s obstacles more effectively

• Increase self-confidence, inner peace, vitality, and well-being

• Understand and stick with treatment to benefit from therapy

• Enhance your overall quality of life

 

4. What happens in counseling?


Generally, you will meet with your counselor regularly for about 60 minutes at the same time once each week. At these meetings, you will discuss your concerns and often provide some historical information.  Counseling is a collaborative effort between the counselor and the client. Professional counselors help clients identify goals and potential solutions to problems that cause emotional turmoil, seek to improve communication and coping skills, strengthen self-esteem, and promote behavior change and optimal mental health. Through counseling, you examine the behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that are causing difficulties in your life. You learn effective ways to deal with your problems by building upon personal strengths and learning ways to encourage personal growth and foster your interest and welfare.  It is not unusual for clients to feel nervous or uncomfortable at first, but this usually dissipates as your counselor helps you talk about your concerns.

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5. Will my health insurance cover counseling?


Due to current laws and regulations, all health insurance plans must provide mental health coverage, which typically includes counseling.  Call your insurance company and ask about your mental health coverage options. They can inform you of your benefits (e.g. how many sessions per year are covered, what your co-pay may be, etc) and will provide you with a list of local providers who accept your insurance.  If you do not have health insurance, or if your coverage does not include mental health care or the services of a professional counselor, we will work with clients on a sliding-fee scale or will offer a payment plan.

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6. What happens in the first appointment? 


Generally, you will meet with a professional counselor or therapist regularly for about 45-50 minutes at the same time once each week. The first appointment, or intake, is about 90 minutes long, as there's a lot to cover. At these meetings, you will discuss your concerns with the counselor.  The goal of counseling is to learn about our habits and patterns of feeling and behavior and how they cause us problems. We can then learn new habits and patterns which will be more successful for us. Although it seems strange to think that we might not know ourselves completely, experience has shown that many of the problem-causing habits and patterns are things we have done all our lives and are so automatic that we don't even think about them as learned or optional behavior.  Counseling provides a special setting in which we can learn about ourselves. This can help us to be more effective in our relationships with others and with ourselves. It takes time, helpful observations, and support to recognize and change our ways of living.

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7. Will I need to take medications? 


Being seen for therapy by a counselor does not necessarily mean you will need to take medications. Many psychological problems can be successfully treated without the use of medications. If you and your counselor decide that medications should be considered as an adjunct to counseling, your counselor will discuss referral options with you.  You will need to see a physician (such as a psychiatrist) to be prescribed any medications. It is important to let your counselor know about any medications you have already been prescribed.

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8. What do I look for when I talk with the counselor on the phone before the session and/or in our first sessions?


The most important question is the one you will ask yourself: How do I feel about this person? Do they seem comfortable and compatible with me? Do they seem empathetic? Naturally, you will feel somewhat anxious with each of the therapists you meet, but there will be differences in your feelings toward each. Pay attention to these feelings. Also, don't ignore your feelings. If you have a creepy or uncomfortable feeling, bring it up to the therapist or choose someone else—but don’t give up!  One size does not fit all, and sometimes it takes “trying on” a few therapists to find the right fit.

 

9. Is everything I say confidential?


All members of the counseling staff are licensed professionals and subscribe to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, which require counselors to protect the confidentiality of their communications with clients. Most state licensure laws also protect client confidentiality. As a client, you are guaranteed the protection of confidentiality within the boundaries of the client/counselor relationship. Any disclosure will be made with your full written, informed consent and will be limited to a specific period of time. The law in the State of Connecticut provides the following exceptions to confidentiality, but even in these circumstances, you will be informed before confidential information is revealed whenever possible: 

• If the therapist has knowledge of the abuse of a child, elder, or a person with a disability.

• If the therapist has knowledge of the intent to harm himself/herself or others.

• If the therapist receives a court order to the contrary.

 

10. How can I get the most out of my counseling sessions?


You can maximize the progress you make in counseling by being actively involved in the work you and your counselor are doing. Some suggestions include: 

• Be on time and try not to miss any of your scheduled meetings; consistency is important in counseling

• Between sessions, make time to think about the things you have discussed with your counselor. Journaling about topics discussed can be helpful.

• Invest in following through on any homework assignments, readings, or books your counselor has suggested for you

• Be as honest and open with your counselor as possible.

 

11. Should I consult my physician first before being seen?


Consulting your doctor for a check-up before beginning counseling to ensure your condition is not due to or made worse by a physical disorder can be a good step. Many illnesses can affect mood, concentration, and so forth. Some conditions (e.g., depression or severe anxiety) require treatment with medication. If your condition warrants, the therapist should refer you to a psychiatrist for a medication consultation.

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12. How do I know when I am done with counseling?


Give therapy a chance. Consider the first couple of months as a trial period. It usually takes at least that long to experience progress, depending on your problems and issues. Progress is usually inhibited by changing from one therapist to another frequently. In considering when to discontinue treatment, ask yourself whether the problems that caused you to seek therapy have been resolved and whether any additional problems or issues have come to your attention that you may wish to resolve. Also, consider the advice of your therapist. A frank discussion of the advisability of terminating treatment is usually useful. Remember that no decision about counseling or psychotherapy is irrevocable. While you may seek advice from others, decisions to begin and end treatment and the choice of therapist are yours alone.

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13. If I think my friend or family member needs help, how do I get him or her to come in and see a counselor? 


It can be very difficult when someone you care about is in pain. You might find yourself feeling helpless, frightened, frustrated, or angry. It is very hard to make a person seek help if they don’t want to or don’t feel they need it, and counseling with an unwilling client is usually not very effective.  Here are some things you might offer as a friend:

•  Let your friend know that you are concerned. Suggest that he or she make an appointment with a counselor to see if we can be of help. Try to phrase the communication using “I’ language, rather than “you” language. For example, “I care about you, and I am sad to see you are hurting” rather than “You are in trouble and need help.”

• Offer to sit with your friend while he/she makes an appointment.

• Offer to accompany your friend to their first appointment, and either wait in the waiting area or go to the appointment with him/her.

• Call or come into the counseling center yourself and talk with a counselor about your worries about your friend. You will not need to tell the counselor your friend’s name, and you do not necessarily even need to let your friend know you came in. The counselor may be able to offer you suggestions about how to interact more effectively with this friend, as well as to manage your own feelings about the situation.

• Surf the web or the bookstore for information about your friend’s problem(s), and pass it along to your friend. Invite him/her to compare reactions with you about the information, or talk about the information with a counselor.

However, remember that you cannot force anyone to get help, you can only encourage, support and offer resources. If you find yourself becoming too involved or your friend’s problems are overwhelming you and affecting your life or work negatively, please contact the counseling center for a consultation and for your own support.