Is Counseling Right for You?

If you are thinking about family therapy, relationship, or individual counseling, deciding what services you want and which therapist to work with can be challenging. It’s a good idea to consider the qualifications of a therapist, her or his licensing, credentials, and professional training as well as your own gut feeling and comfort level with a therapist. In addition to academic training, it is important that your counselor has looked at his or her own issues and has the capacity for self-reflection and the ability to listen with compassion.

Please listen to your intuition and gut feelings. A feeling of connection and safety between us is essential for successful therapy. At our first meeting I invite you to notice how it feels to be with me as part of making your decision.

• Do you feel heard?

• Do you think you will be able to trust me?

• Do you feel respected?

In therapy you can learn to:

• Develop balance in your life

• Connect with and honor your needs

• Have more healthy and satisfying relationships

• Recognize your strengths and appreciate who you are

• Build resources and resilience

• Work through trauma, loss and grief

• Develop healthy boundaries

• Resolve conflicts

• Decrease anxiety and depression

• Assert yourself in healthy ways

• Connect to your heart and find more joy

Psychotherapy requires a collaboration between therapist and client which involves a commitment of time and energy, as well as financial resources. As a client you should expect privacy, confidentiality, respect, and an environment of safety and compassion.