Frequently Asked Questions
The First Phone Call
I offer a FREE 15 minute phone consultation for first time potential clients. During the call, I will ask about your situation, why you are seeking counseling at this time, what you have tried in the past, and what you hope to gain. If we both feel that we can work together, we can set up an appointment that best suits you. If it is in your best interest, I will refer you to a professional who can help you.
Do you treat ALL Issues and problems?
No, Northlight does not provide counseling for the following issues: Homosexuality Support, Sexual Perpetrators, current Drug and Alcohol users and Divorce Mediation. However we can provide counseling services to victims or loved ones of those struggling with these issues, as well as those who have been in successful recovery for over 12 months. If necessary, consult your local yellow pages or insurance provider for a specialized counselor in your area. In addition, I may be able to refer you to someone I know who specializes in treating your needs.
What happens during my first office session?
At our first office session, we will ask you to fill out some initial paperwork, including your description of your problems, and how we may help you. We ask that you arrive about 30 minutes early, in order to complete this paperwork. We will talk about your concerns, your paperwork, your goals, and your insurance.
How often will we meet? And for how long?
Each situation is different, requiring differing amounts of intervention. This will best be determined upon your first meeting. We typically would meet once a week. If, in a few months, once a week seems to be too much, we will develop a plan that works best for you–perhaps meeting every 2 weeks.
Some issues can take as little as 6 months, while others can take as long as 5 years. Each situation and every person is different, each requires its own time frame. It is difficult to guess how long therapy may take, and a lot depends upon you!
Will you maintain my personal privacy and confidentiality?
We give the strictest attention to confidentiality and privacy. We never take it for granted that you have chosen our counseling practice. We will never reveal to anyone that you are a client. We take strict measures to ensure your privacy, such as locked file cabinets, private voice mail service, private email, secure websites, etc.
What is your therapy approach?
Thought processes that result in unhealthy beliefs must be challenged and replaced with truth. A healthy view of life lines up with God’s perspective.
- We can change only ourselves, not others.
- We need to grieve our losses.
- Be real, honest and truthful.
- Learn to get your deepest needs met from God alone.
- Learn good self-care.
- Focus on the positives. Don’t dwell on the negatives.
- Optimism can be learned.
- Life is a journey, we must continue to change, grow, move on, and leave the past behind.
What can I do to enhance my success from counseling?
- Be willing to take risks and try new things.
- Value the counseling process. Ninety percent of your success will come about outside the time we spend together. doing the homework, and keeping any commitments.
- Be self-motivated and ready to make lasting changes.
- Accept direct and honest feedback.
- Adapt any or all of the information/ideas to make it fit best for you and your situation.
