What can I expect during my first session?
During your first visit to my office, I will make every effort to make your experience a comfortable one. The first session will be geared towards you and I getting to know one another, identifying your concerns and what you would like to accomplish during our time together. This may continue for the first few sessions in order to build rapport and a strong therapeutic relationship. I will assist you in identifying your goals for treatment and ways we can work together to accomplish these goals. In order to best serve you, there will be a few questionnaires that you will be asked to complete which will require you to answer multiple questions about your health, family, background and to identify symptoms and concerns. This will help me get to know you and better understand the presenting issue. Before the session starts, however, there are important consent forms and other documents that will need to be reviewed and completed to ensure you are aware and fully understand treatment, privacy and confidentiality policies. During this time, you will be able to address any questions you may have.
What can I expect for my child/teens first session?
A child’s first visit will be similar to that of the adults, but will look differently. You as the parent/caretaker will need to fill out and sign all consent forms. I will review these important forms so that you and the child are aware and fully understand treatment, confidentiality and privacy policies. During this time, I will answer any questions you or your child may have. I will also ask that the parent/caretaker and child participate in answering questionnaires about health and background infromation that is used to help me get to know you and the child, and gain a better understanding of the presenting issue. It can also be helpful to have parent sessions separate from the child attending, so that you may fully express your concerns and hopes for your child.
Sessions typically will consist of individual time with the child as well as family time. You are the parent are the expert, so it is extremely important that you participate and play an active role in the process.
It is ideal to have both parents attending and participating in the therapy process. If there is a parent plan and parents are separated, both parents need to consent to treatment. You will be asked to present copies of the current parenting plan and custody arrangements.
I will provide a space for the child to engage in child-lead play which allows them to be in control of their play and their expression. With older children, I will use rapport building through activities that help them to feel comfortable, such as games or art.
More information about child therapy interventions can be found on the children/teenagers section on the services page, or by clicking here.
Do I need therapy? What are the benefits?
There are many reasons one make seek support from a professional counselor. Counseling provides a non-judgmental, positive and supportive environment. Some may seek counseling due to depression, anxiety, family conflict, life transitions or due to traumatic experiences. Many find relief in talking with a therapist through challenging times. More times than not, we get stuck in our “tunnel vision” and need help to see another path. It can be helpful to have a safe space to process with a third party that is unbiased.
Through counseling you can explore your current situation with a professional who is dedicated in helping you to achieve your goals. Counseling provides a space to learn new skills, process past or current events, see new perspectives, gain a better understanding of yourself and others, relieve stress and help to find solutions to your concerns. Although many people think counseling “is only for crazy people”, this simply is not true. Research shows the many health benefits of mental health counseling.
Isolating or bottling up feelings can make the problem worse. Extra stress builds up and weighs on you physically, mentally and emotionally. Talking with a professional can help to make sense of your concerns, grow and improve your overall wellbeing.
How long will I be in therapy?
Therapy is a process with no time limit. Everyone has their own unique situation and different needs. YOU determine the length of time you are in therapy. The more you put in, the more you will get out. Some find relief after a few weeks, while others may be in treatment for months. There is no right or wrong way. This is YOUR safe space. My goal is to work next to you, at your pace, helping you get to where you want to go.
Who do you NOT work with?
At Hope Health & Healing Counseling Center, LLC, I do not see sexual offenders, perpetrators or violent individuals. In addition, if you are in an abusive relationship, I will not facilitate couples counseling sessions as this is not appropriate nor safe. However, I can see a couple individually and will provide resources and information to further be of assistance. If you are in active addiction, a referral for residential treatment may be appropriate. If actively using, addictive behaviors will likely interfere with your participation and attendance, thus making therapy less effective.
Please note that if these situations apply to you, you are still encouraged to give me a call as I can provide you with resources and referrals to appropriate providers for these identified concerns.
I also do not participate in high conflict divorce cases or custody arrangements as many times, a parenting coordinator is what is needed. I am not a parenting coordinator, family mediator, or custody evaluator so referrals to these providers will be given.
What are limits to confidentiality?
At Hope Health & Healing Counseling Center LLC, I will strictly follow all ethical standards prescribed by state and federal law. I will make every effort to keep your personal information private. If you wish to have information released, you will be required to sign a written authorization form for information to be obtained or disclosed. It is important to understand that there are instances in which I may be legally obligated to share your information, without your authorization. Instances in which information may be disclosed in accordance with state laws include, if there is reason to suspect, or if it is reported, that you or your child pose a risk to harm yourself or others, if there is reason to suspect that a minor child, elderly or any vulnerable population is being abused, neglected or exploited, in the cases of court mandates or if records are subpoenaed by a judge.
What is a LMHC?
LMHC stands for Licensed Mental Health Counselor. What this means for someone with this credential is that they are licensed with the Department of Health within the state that they reside. To obtain licensure, one must have graduated from a Masters or Doctoral program in counseling, completed a minimum of two years as a Registered Intern with the state, obtain 1,500 hours of clinical experience and complete all supervision requirements. A LMHC must have also passed the state licensure exam and completed all required trainings. A Licensed Mental Health Counselor works with children, adolescents, adults providing individual, group, family and couples counseling. A Licensed Mental Health Counselor may work with individuals that present with various emotional, behavioral or mental health difficulties.
What is a RPT?
A RPT stands for Registered Play Therapist. A RPT is one who has extensive training in providing therapy to children. RPT's also work extensively with adults, adolescents and families. Although Play Therapy is widely used with children, play and expressive therapies are extremely effective with teens and adults. To achieve the status of a RPT, one must already have a valid license, have completed a graduate certificate program in Play Therapy or obtain 150 hours of Play Therapy training or coursework. In addition, one must obtain 500 hours of supervised Play Therapy client hours and complete all supervision requirements directed by the Association for Play Therapy.
Can you prescribe medications?
NO. I am not a medical doctor. Medications are prescribed by physicians, such as a Psychiatrists who conduct evaluations for the appropriateness of medication management.
If you have a specific question or concern not listed above, I encourage you to give me a call so I can answer any questions you may have. (407) 800-3881
During your first visit to my office, I will make every effort to make your experience a comfortable one. The first session will be geared towards you and I getting to know one another, identifying your concerns and what you would like to accomplish during our time together. This may continue for the first few sessions in order to build rapport and a strong therapeutic relationship. I will assist you in identifying your goals for treatment and ways we can work together to accomplish these goals. In order to best serve you, there will be a few questionnaires that you will be asked to complete which will require you to answer multiple questions about your health, family, background and to identify symptoms and concerns. This will help me get to know you and better understand the presenting issue. Before the session starts, however, there are important consent forms and other documents that will need to be reviewed and completed to ensure you are aware and fully understand treatment, privacy and confidentiality policies. During this time, you will be able to address any questions you may have.
What can I expect for my child/teens first session?
A child’s first visit will be similar to that of the adults, but will look differently. You as the parent/caretaker will need to fill out and sign all consent forms. I will review these important forms so that you and the child are aware and fully understand treatment, confidentiality and privacy policies. During this time, I will answer any questions you or your child may have. I will also ask that the parent/caretaker and child participate in answering questionnaires about health and background infromation that is used to help me get to know you and the child, and gain a better understanding of the presenting issue. It can also be helpful to have parent sessions separate from the child attending, so that you may fully express your concerns and hopes for your child.
Sessions typically will consist of individual time with the child as well as family time. You are the parent are the expert, so it is extremely important that you participate and play an active role in the process.
It is ideal to have both parents attending and participating in the therapy process. If there is a parent plan and parents are separated, both parents need to consent to treatment. You will be asked to present copies of the current parenting plan and custody arrangements.
I will provide a space for the child to engage in child-lead play which allows them to be in control of their play and their expression. With older children, I will use rapport building through activities that help them to feel comfortable, such as games or art.
More information about child therapy interventions can be found on the children/teenagers section on the services page, or by clicking here.
Do I need therapy? What are the benefits?
There are many reasons one make seek support from a professional counselor. Counseling provides a non-judgmental, positive and supportive environment. Some may seek counseling due to depression, anxiety, family conflict, life transitions or due to traumatic experiences. Many find relief in talking with a therapist through challenging times. More times than not, we get stuck in our “tunnel vision” and need help to see another path. It can be helpful to have a safe space to process with a third party that is unbiased.
Through counseling you can explore your current situation with a professional who is dedicated in helping you to achieve your goals. Counseling provides a space to learn new skills, process past or current events, see new perspectives, gain a better understanding of yourself and others, relieve stress and help to find solutions to your concerns. Although many people think counseling “is only for crazy people”, this simply is not true. Research shows the many health benefits of mental health counseling.
Isolating or bottling up feelings can make the problem worse. Extra stress builds up and weighs on you physically, mentally and emotionally. Talking with a professional can help to make sense of your concerns, grow and improve your overall wellbeing.
How long will I be in therapy?
Therapy is a process with no time limit. Everyone has their own unique situation and different needs. YOU determine the length of time you are in therapy. The more you put in, the more you will get out. Some find relief after a few weeks, while others may be in treatment for months. There is no right or wrong way. This is YOUR safe space. My goal is to work next to you, at your pace, helping you get to where you want to go.
Who do you NOT work with?
At Hope Health & Healing Counseling Center, LLC, I do not see sexual offenders, perpetrators or violent individuals. In addition, if you are in an abusive relationship, I will not facilitate couples counseling sessions as this is not appropriate nor safe. However, I can see a couple individually and will provide resources and information to further be of assistance. If you are in active addiction, a referral for residential treatment may be appropriate. If actively using, addictive behaviors will likely interfere with your participation and attendance, thus making therapy less effective.
Please note that if these situations apply to you, you are still encouraged to give me a call as I can provide you with resources and referrals to appropriate providers for these identified concerns.
I also do not participate in high conflict divorce cases or custody arrangements as many times, a parenting coordinator is what is needed. I am not a parenting coordinator, family mediator, or custody evaluator so referrals to these providers will be given.
What are limits to confidentiality?
At Hope Health & Healing Counseling Center LLC, I will strictly follow all ethical standards prescribed by state and federal law. I will make every effort to keep your personal information private. If you wish to have information released, you will be required to sign a written authorization form for information to be obtained or disclosed. It is important to understand that there are instances in which I may be legally obligated to share your information, without your authorization. Instances in which information may be disclosed in accordance with state laws include, if there is reason to suspect, or if it is reported, that you or your child pose a risk to harm yourself or others, if there is reason to suspect that a minor child, elderly or any vulnerable population is being abused, neglected or exploited, in the cases of court mandates or if records are subpoenaed by a judge.
What is a LMHC?
LMHC stands for Licensed Mental Health Counselor. What this means for someone with this credential is that they are licensed with the Department of Health within the state that they reside. To obtain licensure, one must have graduated from a Masters or Doctoral program in counseling, completed a minimum of two years as a Registered Intern with the state, obtain 1,500 hours of clinical experience and complete all supervision requirements. A LMHC must have also passed the state licensure exam and completed all required trainings. A Licensed Mental Health Counselor works with children, adolescents, adults providing individual, group, family and couples counseling. A Licensed Mental Health Counselor may work with individuals that present with various emotional, behavioral or mental health difficulties.
What is a RPT?
A RPT stands for Registered Play Therapist. A RPT is one who has extensive training in providing therapy to children. RPT's also work extensively with adults, adolescents and families. Although Play Therapy is widely used with children, play and expressive therapies are extremely effective with teens and adults. To achieve the status of a RPT, one must already have a valid license, have completed a graduate certificate program in Play Therapy or obtain 150 hours of Play Therapy training or coursework. In addition, one must obtain 500 hours of supervised Play Therapy client hours and complete all supervision requirements directed by the Association for Play Therapy.
Can you prescribe medications?
NO. I am not a medical doctor. Medications are prescribed by physicians, such as a Psychiatrists who conduct evaluations for the appropriateness of medication management.
If you have a specific question or concern not listed above, I encourage you to give me a call so I can answer any questions you may have. (407) 800-3881