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How
do I know if it is time to seek professional help? What
if things are not that bad in my life? Does
talking to a counselor really help? What
about confidentiality and insurance companies? What if I am dealing with relationship issues and my spouse or family members refuse to participate? How do I know which counselor is right for me?
How do I know if it is time to seek professional help? If you answer yes to any of the following questions, it may be time to see a counselor:
Counseling can keep problem situations from turning into crises, and can be especially effective if started sooner rather than later: before the divorce is threatened, the semester is failed or the relationship is damaged. What if things are not that bad in my life? If your life just needs a little fine-tuning, talking to a counselor can help you:
Does talking to a counselor really help? Nine out of ten Americans surveyed by Consumer Reports said that counseling had helped them. Unlike friends and family who give advice, a counselor is trained to help you resolve issues that create problems in your life. A counselor can help you access your strengths, heal from the past or deal with present crises. Counseling is a collaborative effort to help you reach the goals you choose. It is not about rehashing old problems, it is about change.
A counselor attempts to get to know the real you. Not just the public you, but the internal you who some of the time is confused, lost or stuck, and at other times is enthusiastic, hopeful and strong. Then the counselor and the "authentic" you collaborate to reach your identified goals. Whether you are looking to improve your self-esteem, overcome depression or anxiety or deal with relationships or parenting issues, a counselor helps you identify and align with your "authentic" self to bring more understanding and satisfaction into your life. A Licensed Professional Counselor adheres to a professional Code of Ethics designed to ensure that your privacy and security are strictly maintained in the counseling setting. Everything that you say in session is confidential by law. Even the actual fact that you are in therapy is confidential. The only exceptions to confidentiality are if you sign a release of information because you want me to talk to someone. Additionally, if you report child or elder abuse, the law demands that I make an abuse report, or if you are a danger to yourself or others, then your confidentiality can be broken so that you will be safe. What about confidentiality and insurance companies? When you use your insurance benefits to pay for counseling, you sign an agreement that allows the counselor to communicate with your insurance company. Information that is typically shared includes:
What
if I am dealing with relationship issues and my spouse or family members refuse to
participate?
How do I know which counselor is right for me? Because counseling requires a commitment of time, energy and money, you should be a savvy consumer. Ask people you trust (doctor, school counselor, clergy or friend) to recommend a counselor they know. If possible, do a brief interview with the counselor and ask questions about her background and how she might help you with your problem. Ask about fees and office policies. Most importantly, trust your gut on how you feel talking to the person. Remember, for the counselor to help you, you must feel comfortable enough to be honest with her. Finally, if you are not getting the help you expected, address your concerns with the counselor to see if the work needs some fine-tuning, or if you need to be referred.
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