Some common questions about counseling

How can counseling help me?  Why can’t I just talk to my best friend?
Counseling provides you with an objective, trained person to assist you.  But, certainly go to your support system—friends, family members, clergy—and then, if you need more guidance, see a counselor or psychologist.

Are antidepressants addictive?
No. Tranquilizers and anti-anxiety medications like ativan, xanax, and valium are addictive. See your doctor, psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse practitioner for specific information on your medication.

How long will I take antidepressants?
That would be a decision that you make with your psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner.

What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a Family Therapist or Psychologist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the area of mental health and can prescribe medication. A psychiatrist first goes to medical school, then completes a residency in psychiatry. He/ she can be viewed as a specialist just as a cardiologist or neurologist is a specialist.  A family therapist or psychologist goes to graduate school and is trained in understanding human behavior. He/she learns how to help clients change their behavior to alleviate distress and live more fulfilling lives.

How long before counseling starts helping me feel better?
There is no magic wand or word or sentence involved in counseling. It's more a matter of the counselor getting to know you and then making suggestions and recommendations based on the information gathered. So with that in mind, We suggest anywhere from one or two to ten or twelve sessions before you start noticing a marked changed in whatever you are coming in to discuss.

Can counseling help me improve my sex life?
Generally speaking, there is a good likelihood that once you begin feeling more positive in your life, that your sex life might improve.

If my medication is helping me feel better, why do I need a counselor?
Generally speaking, the state of the art currently is using medication in concert with counseling. Medication can facilitate counseling so that you can make necessary changes quicker and ultimately discontinue medication if appropriate.

If I'm bringing in my child/adolescent for counseling, why does the counselor need to see me -- the parent?
Most family therapists find the information provided by the parent or parents to be invaluable in better treating the child or adolescent.

Why do you need parent's permission to see a child/adolescent in counseling?
By law, we need the parent’s permission to treat their child.

We are governed by Federal Confidentiality Laws. Which, basically state that what we talk about is confidential unless the clients sign a release of information or if the file is subpoenaed.  There are some things we cannot keep confidential, such as if we have a concern that the client will harm themselves or someone else and physical or sexual abuse of children or elders.