frequently asked questions

Therapy, also called psychotherapy or counseling, is a process unique to each individual.  However, in general, therapy is designed to help an individual reduce or eliminate problematic thoughts, feelings, beliefs or behaviors.  Therapy can also help address relationship issues as well as bodily sensations (somatic responses).  Therapy can be used to help build self esteem, reduce levels of depression and anxiety, and learn new coping skills to help handle situations in a healthier, more effective manner in the future.

The initial appointment is often referred to as the intake or assessment appointment.  During the session confidentiality, informed consent, and the clients roles and responsibilities are discussed.  The therapist will explain the therapeutic process and what to expect from therapy.  Additionally, the therapist will want to get to know the client, including: presenting problem, information about childhood, education, relationships, current living situation, and goals for therapy.  After the initial appointment, the director will assign the client to the therapist that is the "best fit" or will likely be the most helpful for the client based on: personality, interest, areas of expertise, and training,

Therapy is solely about the client.  Each client's therapy is different as it is tailored to that specific client.  Individuals in therapy are able to talk about anything that is concerning or bothering to them.  The therapist will strive to create an open, safe, non-judgmental environment in which the client feels comfortable processing these concerns and learning new coping skills and other techniques/interventions to help the individual handle these concerns both now and in the future.  The goal of therapy is to help the client reach the goals they set for themselves and to help him/her become the healthiest, happiest, most successful person he/she can be in life.

Unfortunately, this is not an easy question.  The length of treatment will depend on the individual as well as the presenting issues.  However, the goal of therapy, is always to help the individual learn to be the healthiest, happiest, most success person they can be and learn to process, cope with, and solve problems without the need for therapist intervention.

Confidentiallty is the assurance that what  is said in the room stays in the room.  It is the assurance that the information that you share will not be shared with others.  Counselors are held to high levels of confidentiality both ethically as well as legally.  There are limits to confidentiality, though.  A therapist is legally, ethically, and morally bound to break confidentiality in  the event of abuse/neglect, and individual desires to harm themself or someone else or in the event of a subponea.  In these instances, confidentiality is broken in order to help protect everyone's well-being and safety.

No.  FamilyWorks Therapy does not require a referral for treatment.  However, any information from doctors, school, etc. the client has will be helpful in creating the most comprehensive treatment plan possible.

The type of therapy utilized is based on the individual's presenting concerns for therapy.  Each treatment plan is individualized for that particular client.  Generally speaking, common evidence based therapeutic modalities include: cognitive-behavioral therapy, behavioral therapy, play therapy, solution-focused therapy, trauma -informed therapy, EMDR, and Internal Family Systems.

Good question?  All are trained to address mental health needs; however, the way they address such needs is often different.  A counselor or therapist is a master's level, licensed clinician who seeks to help individuals address and resolve mental health needs utilizing a strength-based approach.  A psychologist holds a terminal degree--typically a PhD or PsyD.  They too seek to help individuals address their presenting concerns; however, it often is addressed in a more medical, problem focused manner.  Psychologists are also more likely to utilize various assessments in their therapy.  Psychiatrists are medical doctors who treat mental health issues through the use of psychotropic medication in order to help reduce the distressing symptoms of the mental health issues.