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Frequently Asked Questions . . .

Questions About Our Counseling Services

• What can I expect in the initial appointment?
• How long will counseling take?
• What if I wish to extend my in-person or phone session time?
• What can I expect in a counseling session?
• What exactly is mental health?
  
• What benefits can I expect from working with a counselor?
• What if I don't have any goals?
• Why would I choose to have my sessions by phone rather in person? Does counseling by telephone really work?
• How do I refer someone else to SRWCCS?
• What do I need to do to prepare for counseling or therapy?
• What's the difference between counseling and therapy?
• What does LCSW stand for?
• How much does counseling cost?
• What if I need medication?
• Do you take mental health insurance?
• What are the limitations of our counseling relationship?
  

 

What can I expect in the initial appointment?

Making that first step can often be difficult and overwhelming. Many folks want to make changes in their lives but just don't know how. Or they need support to do so because it's just too overwhelming for them to do alone. We'll do everything that we can to support you and make you comfortable as we mutually determine the life changes you will be making.

You may be self-referred, or may have come at the suggestion of a former client, another counselor, teacher, friend, pastor, lawyer, DCFS, physician, court or a loved one. The goals clients have can range from wanting to being helped through a relationship change, to recovering from profound abuse or trauma.

Now, if you're new to counseling, and a little concerned about it - relax. Solution-focused, Mindfulness, Positive Psychology and other client-affirmative counseling approaches that we use just aren't as strange and complicated as they might seem if you've never experienced counseling.

The truth of the matter is that, counseling is more or less just another another way for you to learn more about; and how to like more about yourself, by working through personal roadblocks and unproductive thinking.

As a collaborative counselor, I'll assist and encourage you to sort through the muck and the mire until you find that new direction - create a new, less stressful and productive life map.

And just like with most maps, there are often a variety of paths you can select as a way to successfully reach your planned goals. If you're unconditional don't fear ~ since I'm pretty unorthodox myself ~ I enjoy working with others who are also apologetically living "outside the box" or outside the mainstream ~ on the fringes.

We'll start with a complimentary phone consultation to see if our styles and personalities are a fit. If you feel comfortable then we schedule an initial assessment session, where, If we continue to be a match we mutually plan and commit to regular sessions.

When you meet for your assessment session, you will either bring or email our short Intake packet, to be used at that time. Please arrive 20 minutes early and allow two hours for the first session, and you will be billed for 2 hours for the first session.

This is the beginning of our information gathering, issue identifying and solution-focused WellBalance ReShape™ SheChange(tm) process.

Please click here for more details.

This is also an opportunity for you get a sense of what it is like for us to work together. You'll be asked some factual questions (name, age, address, etc.), some questions about your physical health, and about your family history.

You'll have ample opportunity to begin talking about why you decided to seek counseling services at this time and we will begin to formulate some goals for your treatment plan, which will be your map for getting to your goal.

Whether you want long term support or to have a few sessions around a specific concern, therapy is a tool for you to use.

You're in control of the process.

It doesn't have to be expensive, time-consuming or uncomfortable. It's an effective way for overwhelmed and change-ready clients to find new ways to better manage their lives.

• Sometimes all it takes is rethinking and re-framing what you already know about yourself.
  
• Sometimes it means learning new coping skills to replace the old skills that are not working anymore.
  

Counseling can assist you to sorting through the drama and keep you focused on making things work better for you. Change is often difficult, but the rewards are well worth it.

By helping our clients along the course of their unique Proactive ReShape™ SheChange™ Action Plan, we have seen them become happier, more confident, and able to more skillfully handle the difficulties which originally brought them to seek our service.

   

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How long will counseling take?

It is not possible to answer this question accurately since the length of treatment varies from individual to individual. However, after we talk and learn more about the issues you would like to work on, we might be able to provide you with some idea of how long we might be working together. Usually weekly sessions work best initially, unless there is a crisis or extreme distress.

We can set up tentative schedules ranging from 9-25 weeks, depending on the presenting goals. Ultimately it depends on your motivation, type of, goal for the problems you wish to resolve.

And if you are coming to work on one specific goal and accomplish that goal, then you may end up terminating treatment at that time. If we determine that you have more complex goals then it will take longer, you will often know when you are ready and able to end our sessions.

When we mutually agree that you could use additional services [group support, medical, sexual addiction, etc] to help you, we will offer you referrals. On a few occasions you or we may decide that you can be better served by another counselor/ therapist, then we will offer you referrals.

You may also call to arrange for an occasional "tune-up" session after initially meeting your specified termination goals. If you are interested in Life Purpose Coaching, to find more meaning and purpose in your life, we can help you with that as well.

 

What if I wish to extend my in-person or phone session time?

If we agree to exceed the regular session time-frame, then you will be additionally billed at 15 minute increments for any additional time over our originally scheduled session time and will be expected to pay for all billable time on the same day of your session. Please see our rates page for additional extended rate selections.

 

 

 

Schedule An Appointment . . .

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What can I expect in a counseling session?

During sessions you are usually expected to talk about or work through the primary concerns and issues that brought your to counseling. A typical session lasts 50 minutes, but some people prefer and request longer sessions.

Usually weekly sessions are pretty standard. With people who are in crisis or extreme distress, there is often a need for more sessions per week until the crisis passes.

Since it's beneficial to you, we recommend that you take some time to think about and process the important highlights of each sessions previous to your next appointment.

At times, you may be asked to follow-up on certain actions on your plan between our sessions, such as recording thoughts, etc. or reviewing a related article or book. For this process to work best for you, we'll need your honesty, willingness and active participation during and outside of our regular sessions.

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So What Exactly Is Mental Heath?

Mental health is described as, "a level of psychological well-being, or an absence of a mental disorder."

From the perspective of 'positive psychology' or 'holism', mental health may include an individual's ability to enjoy life, and create a balance between life activities and efforts to achieve psychological resilience.

The World Health Organization defines mental health as "a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community"

 

What benefits can I expect from working with a counselor/ therapist?

Many people find counseling / therapy a tremendous way to manage their personal growth milestones, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, and even to stay on top of the emotional and mental hassles and stresses of daily life.

There are a number of benefits gained participating in counseling/ therapy. Often it is helpful just to know that someone understands. Counseling can provide fresh perspectives on difficult emotions and problems or even point you in the direction of workable solutions and lasting changes.

The degree of benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn or agree to put into action.

Some of the benefits of counseling may include:

• Discovering the advantages, gifts and joys of being an introvert
• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
• Discovering new ways to solve problems
• Attaining a better understanding of yourself and your personal goals, Inner-Strength and Core Values
• Improving communications skills - learn how to listen to others, and have others listen to you
• Getting "unstuck" from unhealthy patterns - breaking old behaviors & develop new ones
• Find new ways to cope with stress, burnout, panic attacks and anxiety
• Managing anger, depression, and other emotional pressures
• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
• Developing skills and tools for improving your relationships
• Finding or regaining your own precious peace of mind

What if I don't have any goals?

Don't worry that you aren't sure what your goals are, one of our first tasks is to figure that out. It may take a few sessions before a direction is revealed, but can often be done within the first two sessions, depending on your needs and issues.

During the course of therapy/ counseling, as you evolve, your goals may also need to change for a variety of reasons. When this occurs it is a great opportunity for you to employ some of the new skills and techniques you have learned during the treatment process to decide on new goals.

A collaborative solution-focused approach will always be taken to assist you as you navigate through your worrisome challenges, promoting your growth towards increased independence and successful use of new tools and skills.

 

Why would I choose to have my sessions by phone rather in person? Does counseling by telephone really work?

For some time now, research has shown that it's not necessary for the you and the counselor be face to face in the same office or room.

And in fact, with some clients, face to face counseling may actually present a number of distractions to successful outcomes.

Sessions by phone mainly differs, in that there are no body, language or facial cues present. However, this issue is easily offset by a counselor or coach, who is able to pick up other no-verbal cues from their clients.

Here's a few benefits of phone sessions . . .

• Visual privacy is maintained. You don't have to "dress up" ~ you can be in session "as is" from home. Some people find it easier and less threatening to begin therapy over the phone.
• Individuals in smaller towns may also find it ideal that they don't have to reveal deeply personal issues to someone in the community.
  
• Phone sessions allows even the most shy or reluctant person access to counseling.
• Traveling also can be time consuming and stressful. It's a lot easier to fit in a session when you are trying to get everything done with a hectic life schedule or if you have limited time due to work. (Indeed, I have conducted coaching sessions while my clients have been at work.)
• Phone sessions have proven to be highly effective for certain clients. Being at ease in your own home, you are likely to be less inhibited and guarded.
  
• People tend to get down to business, get more work done, and progress faster over the phone, which fits our solution-focused approach.

 

How do I refer someone else to SRWCCS?

Well, you might simply tell her that you think we can help, and then give them our phone number, email or our website and tell them any contact with them is confidential and only between SRWCCS and our clients.

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What do I need to do to prepare for counseling or therapy?

Nothing really but show up. We'll help you take the first steps when we speak with you. However, if you wish to do something, then you could try and think about what your desired goal. To do this, you could ask yourself, "I'll feel that counseling was successful if I have accomplished _______ ."

This could be useful whether you're thinking about individual, couple, and group counseling. You many also find it helpful to write these thoughts out as a way of clarifying for yourself what you want to accomplish.


What's the difference between counseling and therapy?

These terms can be interchangeable. Generally counseling can be solution focused and in the present without a lot of focus on looking at the underlying root causes.

The term therapy tends to be used when we're looking at underlying root causes of behavior and at a resolution of past issues so that the you can move forward from deeply stuck feelings and beliefs that do not serve you well.

We offer both counseling and therapy approaches which are basically determined by your needs and goals.

 

What does LCSW stand for?

LCSW stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. LCSWs are required to obtain a Master's level degree, complete 1-2 years of pre-graduate clinical hours, and then complete another 3200 hours of post-graduate, supervised clinical training and pass rigorous testing prior to becoming licensed as a clinical psychotherapist.

LCSWs are qualified to conduct several types of mental health counseling and psychotherapy approaches, and are often more focused on looking at ways to assist our clients to obtain greater social equity as an inherent part of our helping process, than are non-social work-oriented counselors.

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Yes,

we're a Union & Veteran family friendly service provider

~ government & county employees welcome ~

~ ask us about our discounts for union & gov employees ~

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How much does counseling cost?

Please See Our Rates

Service rates, appointment scheduling and cancellation policy are typically discussed during your initial Intake session. The standard cost for each session varies. We have made our rates affordable, however, if you find that you cannot afford our standard fee, please discuss your financial needs with us during your initial Intake session.

We are mindfully aware that some of our clients needing counseling services may also be facing economic challenges. We also recognize that wimmin and often may earn less in some jobs; and so we honor this by offering an array of affordable rates for our services.

If this is still a problem, then we will provide local referrals to assist anyone unable to utilize our services due to their unique needs and economic circumstances.

We are committed to proactively helping our clients who are uninsured or under-insured by providing affordable rates and a sliding fee scale. We are also committed to assisting you with your mental health needs, whether you don't have insurance, or are out of network, by offering affordable rates.

 

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What if I need medication?

Sometimes medication combined with psychotherapy is part of the treatment plan. Only Psychiatrists and MD's are licensed to prescribe medication.

We do, however maintain a working relationship with both traditional and alternative psychiatrists who are knowledgeable, ethical and compassionate, and we will match you up with, and offer you referrals based on your individualized needs, personality, location, etc.

If at any point you or we feel that a medication evaluation might be helpful, we will recommend that you make an appointment for an evaluation, however the final choice is always yours.

Do you take mental health insurance?

Please See Our Rates

     Yes, we currently do accept insurance plans.

     Yes, we accept Medicare insurance as well as those insurance plans with PPO plans, several other health insurance plans, and Victims Of Crimes referrals; please check with us to see if we currently accept your insurance plan.

Insurance benefits vary widely depending on your policy which is based on your employers contract with that company. If you plan to use insurance for your counseling appointments, be sure to check with your health plan in advance so you know what is covered, what your benefits are, and whether you can see the mental health practitioner of your choice. General insurance provider categories include:

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) where services are offered by specific providers who are employed by or contracted with the HMO. You must select a therapist from their list of providers.

PPO (Preferred Provider Plans) are similar to an HMO. However, your insurance company may also offer the option of working with a therapist out of network at a greater cost to you.

Medical Insurance plans allow patients to choose any licensed psychotherapist. After meeting a deductible set by your employer and the insurance company for medical care, you can receive a reimbursement according to a pre-determined percentage.

Medicare and Medi-Cal also require working with a practitioner authorized to accept this health insurance plan.We are currently authorized to accept Medicare insurance, even when a client is with a Medicare HMO plan. Please call for more information.

Some clients prefer to pay privately to ensure confidentiality because insurance company require a mental health diagnosis be made in order to pay for counseling services.

All private health information (PHI) is currently entered into a computer data base, and because insurance companies require that confidential counseling information be shared with them in order for you to receive counseling services and reimbursement.

In addition, some insurance plans restrict the number of visits [based on a particular diagnosis] and really limit which problems will be covered or reimbursed; for example, whether couples counseling is or is not a covered / reimbursed benefit. Please click here for more 3rd Party Insurance info.

If you do decide to use insurance for your counseling services ~ they may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. All fees, including copay are your responsibility. Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions:

• Do I have mental health and /or substance abuse insurance benefits? What diagnoses do you reimburse for?
  
• What is my deductible and has it been met?
• How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
• What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
• Is approval or referral required from my primary care physician?
• Do I need a pre-authorization or pre-certification? Do you reimburse for Superbilling and at what percentage do you reimburse?

 

What are the limitations of the counselor/ client relationship?

Clients are looking for professionals they can trust. Therapists/counselors value the trust of our clients. When this mutual trust is violated by sexual exploitation, everyone loses.

The client loses an opportunity for improved health and becomes a victim. The therapist/ counselor stops being a healer and becomes a victimizer. And the profession itself loses when the good reputation of the many is diminished by the illegal conduct of a few.

If you are or come to be a victim of sexual abuse by a therapist/ couselor, it's important for you to report your experience to the board that licenses your therapist/ counselor. Here's a booklet you can download that explains in more detail about what is sexually appropriate and professional therapy conduct:

 

Professional Therapy NEVER Includes Sex Info Booklet

Legal and Ethical Information

According to California laws, professional therapy never includes sex.  Sexual misconduct or sexual relations by a therapist with a client is unprofessional, illegal, as well as unethical as set forth in Business and Professions Code sections 726, 729, 2960(o), 4982(k) and 4992.3(k).

Additionally, with regard to former clients, sexual contact within two years after termination of therapy is also illegal and unethical.

If you have questions on this topic, you can ask us for a copy of the booklet published by the State of California, Professional Therapy Never Includes Sex, or read it online at:  http://www.psychboard.ca.gov/pubs/proftherapy.pdf.





 

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We Can Help You

   To Mindfully

     ReShape™ . . .

• To effectively move on to make peace with your current situations of Self-distress & Self-sabotage and to ground deeper in a more solid sense of authentic Self-appreciation.
  

• To effectively move on to make peace with others, while still maintaining your own unconventional sense of Self-worth & peace of mind.

• To effectively move on to learn to use mindfulness-based solutions for everyday, unexpected or overwhelming problems; appreciating that being happy is way better than being right or perfect.





 Wise Quotes

To Actively Live By:

Enlightenment is but a recognition, not a change at all.

   ~  Anonymous

We do not see things as they are. We see them as we are.

     ~  The Talmud

Another world is not only possible, she’s on the way, and, on a quiet day, if you listen very carefully, you can hear her breathe.             

    ~ Sis Activist Arundhati Roy

DISCLAIMER: All information on our site and regarding our products is provided for informational / educational purposes only and should not be used  as a substitute for the advice of your own medical/ health care professional.

Please do not use the information supplied by SistahPeace WellBalance™. . . to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. If you suspect that you have a medical problem /condition, please consult your medical/ holistic health care professional.