As defined in a Google search, “counseling is the provision of assistance and guidance in resolving personal, social, or psychological problems and difficulties especially, by a professional.” According to the American Counseling Association, it is “a collaborative effort between the counselor and client to help identify goals and potential solutions to problems which cause emotional turmoil; seek to improve communication and coping skills; strengthen self-esteem; and promote behavior change and optimal mental health.
Counseling and therapy are often used interchangeably. Some people consider counseling to be more focused on a single issue and more short-term in duration whereas therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is often focused on a broader and more complex exploration of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as they relate to how you view, are motivated, and function in the world.
The word crazy is often associated with a negative or derogatory state of mind in which people have very bizarre beliefs and behaviors. In the psychology world, this would be more accurately labeled as psychotic. Another way to look at it would be to say that when people are psychotic, they are out of touch with reality. Most mental illness do not involve psychosis. Likewise, most people who seek and participate in counseling are not psychotic. While some people who attend counseling do have mental illnesses, such as depression or anxiety, they are very much in touch with reality. Others who receive counseling do not have any mental illnesses but are simply seeking help with relationships, grief, careers, or other common problems of daily living.
What you accomplish in counseling all depends on your individual goals, your motivation and commitment level, and your willingness to and ability to apply concepts and skills to your life outside of therapy. Some common goals for therapy include improved self-esteem, better communication skills, better work-life balance, better decision-making skills, and improved relationships. As a therapist, a goal I strive for with each and every client is internal peace. How that is achieved and what that looks like differs with each and every client.
You can begin counseling as soon as you (1) complete the intake documents (2) complete the assessments (3) pay the fee, and (4) schedule the appointment.
Typically, the first session includes a discussion of the limitations of confidentiality, your reason for seeking therapy, your background and history as it relates to your problem, your goals for therapy, and an opportunity to ask questions about the process or other concerns you might have.
Usually, goal setting in counseling is a collaborative effort between the therapist and the client. However, when setting goals, the client’s preferences take priority, and the therapist offers guidance and practicality.
Counseling sessions are 50-minute long but may sometimes be a few minutes longer or shorter. The client determines the frequency of sessions depending on counselor availability. Typically, people attend counseling once a week on average, but there are some people who attend more or less frequently.
There is no set number of sessions for therapy as it depends upon your individual goals and pace. Ideally, therapy termination is a joint decision between the therapist and the client and often is based on the belief that the client has reached their counseling goals.
At this time, counseling is only provided on a cash basis. The client will be notified if other options are made available.
At this time, counseling is only available for Texas residents aged 18 and over.
At this time, no group counseling is available. However, if there is a topic or type of group therapy that you are interested in attending and there is enough interest from other clients, a therapy group can be started. If you have any ideas for a therapy group, please share that in an email and note your preference for day and time for the group.
Couple counseling is not currently available.
Counseling is only available in English on this platform.
Although Licensed Professional Counselors are qualified to make mental health diagnoses, that is primarily done for insurance and billing purposes. Since this provider does not bill insurance, most sessions will be conducted without a diagnosis being made. While the session will often focus on current symptoms and complaints, past diagnoses might enter the conversation. Keep in mind that most mental diagnoses fluctuate over time, so a past diagnosis may or may not be relevant to the current situation.
If you would like to begin counseling but have a few questions about the paperwork or process, you may sign up for a free 15-minute consultation in order to get answers to your questions before paying or committing to therapy. Also, if you are going through a divorce or custody battle or trying to obtain a protective order, consultations are offered for a fee for assistance in navigating the family court system.
Virtual therapy has potential benefits including convenient and easier access to care, reducing patient wait time for an appointment, and reducing client travel time and travel-related expense.
There are potential risks to virtual therapy, also known as telehealth, including internet or power interruptions, unauthorized access, technical difficulties, and inability of therapist to notice various sensory cues that might otherwise be discerned in an in-person visit.Because the counselor is not available 24/7 and is often located in a city different from the client, telehealth is NOT a substitute for emergency treatment. If you are having suicidal thoughts, considering any form of self-harm, or your life is in danger from another person, please call 9-1-1 or 9-8-8.
Currently, only debit and credit cards are accepted through online pay on this website.
No, I am not allowed to prescribe medication because my licensure prohibits that. I will be happy to assist you with referrals to a prescribing physician should you decide that medication would be appropriate or necessary.
Client confidentiality is crucial in the counseling relationship and is taken very seriously. While most of what is discussed in therapy sessions is confidential and requires your written authorization to disclose information to others, there are some exceptions required by state licensing laws. Please refer to the privacy policies for more detailed information.
