Who is counseling for?
Everyone has faced a variety of pressures and problems in day-to-day living. At times, these issues can interfere with healthy functioning in personal life, school, work, and relationships. Counseling can be an effective way to work through your unique situation with a caring professional trained to help overcome these problems in a safe and confidential environment.
What are the benefits of therapy?
Based upon personal clients’ growth as well as documented research, there are a number of benefits to therapy. Therapy or counseling gives the individual, couple, or family an opportunity to get “unstuck”. People are able to talk about their problems in a safe and confidential environment and allow feelings to be expressed while problems are often solved. Therapy brings about an increase in self-awareness and develops insight that allows a better understanding of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of individuals and the systems that they work within. Ultimately, therapy can lead to an increase in coping skills, self-confidence, and productivity as well as improvement in health and over all well being.
What is your approach to therapy?
I generally approach my work from a family systems perspective with additional focus on psychodynamic theory. Cognitive and behavioral tools are also implemented throughout the journey when needed as well as EMDR. Sometimes change will be quick and evident. However therapy is more often a process or a journey, from help to hope and ultimately healing.
How much does therapy cost?
Counseling fees are typical for the level of training, experience and specialization available. Bridgeway Counseling Group is a non-managed care facility so we do not accept insurance. This is done so that we are able focus on the client's need over the insurance company's priority. Because therapy is an investment in your over-all health, it can get expensive over time. A sliding scale is available based upon financial need and income.
What can I expect in the first session?
For those who have never experienced counseling, the initial process can seem overwhelming. Our clients are set at ease with Bridgeway Counseling Group’s personal approach.
We ask you to arrive 15 minutes early. If you are able, adult and adolescent intake forms (see below) are available to print and bring completed to the first session. Your first visit will consist of establishing a therapeutic relationship. This will include encouragement to share about what has brought you to therapy as well as the opportunity to tell your story. For adolescents, an hour and a half initial session is necessary as the first 30 minutes are spent with the parents or guardian to gather personal history and clinical information.
Because therapy is a joint venture between therapist and client, we work together to determine identifying problems, develop goals, and work towards ultimate health and healing.
Important documents to be filled out regarding new clients:
adolescent intake parent/guardian intake adult intake
downlad a free copy here