Milestones:
Counseling and Personal Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need counseling?
Making the decision to see a counselor is extremely personal, but it can be best to ask for help even if you are not sure your problem is big enough to need counseling. Counselors can help you figure out what might be going on and what you can do about it. They also can make referrals to other helpful services. With this in mind, the following struggles may be signs that seeing a counselor may be beneficial.
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Feeling unhappy for no reason
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Not being satisfied with your life
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Having trouble making decisions
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Having trouble setting or reaching goals
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Being tired for no reason
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Feeling hopeless
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Changes in sleeping or eating
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Acting in ways that you don't like
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Acting in ways that get you in trouble
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Problems with alcohol or drugs
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Relationship problems
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Having trouble at work.
I see you offer a free consultation, what is the purpose of the meeting?
The most important aspect in deciding on a counselor is making sure there is a good "fit" between the therapist's therapeutic approach and expertise and the client's goals and needs. The 1/2 hour free consultation is a risk free way for you to meet me and ask any questions you may have. In addition, it allows me to gain a better understanding of what you are looking for in the counseling process. The initial consultation can be beneficial in helping clients decide if a I am a good fit for them.
What can I expect from counseling?
Counseling is a process that requires your participation and commitment. Problems build up over time and they take time to resolve. Some of the potential benefits of counseling are:
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Figuring out how to better cope with old problems and new stressors. Through counseling you have a chance to examine life issues within a positive, supportive environment and gain better coping skills.
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Breaking harmful habits: Sometimes unhealthy habits form in response to stressors, to escape emotional pain and/or to feel more socially comfortable. Because habits form over time, they are not always easy to break away from. Counseling can help put you back in the driver’s seat, re-establishing control over your life.
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Creating healthier relationships: Counseling can be beneficial in exploring and understanding our relational patterns, whether it be with our children, spouse, or friends, in order to change destructive patterns and dynamics. It can also help in finding healthy, positive, and more empathetic ways to connect to those important people in our lives.
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Discovering personal strengths. Counseling can help you discover your strengths and begin to use them for personal growth and to overcome obstacles in life.
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Understanding Emotions: Our emotional worlds can seem very foreign and overwhelming to us, especially when emotions such as sadness, anger, shame, guilt and disappoinment are triggered by various events or people in our lives. Counseling can help in connecting/confronting, understanding and navigating these types of emotions among others.
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Building problem solving skills in order to move through conflict in relationships, life transitions, and stressors in your job.
What do I need to do to get the most out of the counseling process?
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Attend scheduled sessions regularly as determined by you and your therapist.
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Be specific and honest about the concerns that led you to seek counseling.
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Together with your counselor, establish goals for your sessions.
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Participate actively in sessions.
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Begin to practice and integrate what you are learning through counseling in your everyday life.
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Tell your counselor if you do not think the sessions are helping.
Is what I share in counseling confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is of the utmost importace between a client and counselor. In order for growh to be made, a high level of trust needs to be present, thus everything that is shared within the session is kept confidential. Confidentiality and its limits will be discussed in more detail in your first session and is often addressed within the counselor's "Informed Consent." There may be times in which you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.