FAQ's
How do I know if I need counseling or psychotherapy?
You may wish to embark on a series of counseling sessions for a number of reasons: to gain clarity on an issue, change old patterns, untangle complex personal issues or for self-development. You may seek counseling as a result of a crisis, or may be encouraged to seek counseling by family members, friends or colleagues.
What happens is a psychotherapy session?
There is no typical psychotherapy session. The counseling session is time set aside for you and what you talk about will vary according to your goals and needs. You are free to discuss what you wish to, from everyday events, dilemmas, feelings, thoughts, memories and dreams. As your counselor, I will provide a safe environment in which to explore your issues and work towards self-improvement.
What issues can psychotherapy help with?
Clients present with wide-ranging problems including anxiety (panic attacks, agoraphobia, generalized anxiety problems, social anxiety, claustrophobia), stress in the work place, work-life imbalances, relationship issues (break-up, divorce, affairs, choosing inappropriate partners, loneliness, life adjustments, marital problems, arguments, jealousy, wedding & premarital counseling), sexual problems (impotence, internet/pornography/sex addiction, loss of desire), infertility, trauma (including post-traumatic stress disorder from accidents, rape and other attacks/incidents), obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating problems (including bulimia, binge-eating, negative body image), depression (including suicidal thoughts, low mood, social withdrawal), phobias & fears, addiction, low-self esteem &confidence, addiction & substance misuse, abuse (including verbal and sexual abuse), bereavement/grief/loss. The most common reasons for searching for a counselor are stress, anxiety, depression and relationship difficulties.
What kind of people seeks counseling?
Many types of people can benefit from counseling. Therapy is frequently conducted on a face-to-face level with individuals. However, counseling is also beneficial with couples, families, adolescents, teenagers and children. Counselors-in-training (supervisees) are usually required to be in supervision with experienced counselors. My client group spans across cultures, gender (male, female), sexual orientation (straight, gay, bi-sexual, transsexual), religion (Christian, Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, Atheist) and employment groups. I welcome diversity and have specialized in immigrant populations.
How long should I expect to have to continue psychotherapy?
The number of counseling sessions depends on you as an individual and your unique presenting issues. A first consultation will enable you to see if counseling is indicated. Usually you will start with 6 sessions and review after that. Psychodynamic, psychoanalytic and existential therapies tend to be longer term and many last for many months or even years. Since I work privately, you are not limited in the number of sessions you can have.
How do I know which therapeutic approach is the right for me?
There are a number of established therapeutic approaches to counseling work. These include humanistic counseling (also known as person-centered), psychodynamic psychotherapy, psychoanalytic, existential, gestalt, transactional analysis, cognitive analytical therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. You may have an idea that a particular approach would be suited to you. If not, you may wish to call us to discuss beforehand, or you can book in for a general consultation to explore your options.
Will my counseling sessions be confidential?
Counseling sessions are confidential with the exception that if you pose a danger to yourself or others, then the relevant parties will be notified.
Can a counselor prescribe medication if I need it?
I am not eligible to prescribe medication. I can provide referrals for private consultant psychiatrists who can assess you for a prescription, and this can complement your therapy work. Please note that the fee for psychiatry is higher than counseling.
Can I speak with the counselor before my appointment?
I do not make myself available prior to your appointment. The first consultation will give you the chance to bring in any questions, to find out more about how we will work together and to discover if we connect. If you wish to find out about my background, please read my profile on the website – ‘Meet the Therapist’. Whilst the majority of first consultations will proceed to a full course of treatment, neither you nor the therapist are committed to continue beyond the first counseling consultation session.
Can I use my health insurance to pay for counseling sessions?
I do not accept insurance. However, you might be reimbursed for my services as an Out of Network Provider (ONP). This depends on the nature of your policy. You should check with your provider to see whether counseling sessions will be covered, how many sessions can be included and if there are any other restrictions.
Why do I need to attend weekly sessions?
Regularity is important for productive therapeutic work. The standard format of weekly sessions helps you make gradual and steady progress.
Why do I have to pay for missed/cancelled therapy sessions?
If you proceed with therapy sessions after the first consultation, I will reserve the same time slot (of 50 minutes) for you each week. Any missed sessions or cancellations will be charged at the full fee. This is so that they can set aside the same time for you each week.
How can I pay for a therapy session?
I will take payment in full at the end of each session by cash or check. At Jordan Stones we also have the facilities to accept credit or debit cards. You will be invoiced for any missed or cancelled sessions.
Do you offer discounts or low-cost therapy?
Yes. I have a few spots for clients that are referred by non-for profit organizations. If the spots are full at the time of the request, the client will be placed on a waiting list for the next opening.
Can I refer someone for counseling?
Friends, family and colleagues may be very concerned about an individual's well being and would like to see them have counseling. It is most helpful if the individual in question can make contact himself or herself, as it is an important step in acknowledging that they may need assistance. We are able to take enquiries from you on behalf of someone else, but you should have their full consent.