What is Counseling?
Our goal at The Healing Collective, Counseling & Wellness is to create a space in your life where you can expect your feelings to be honored to the utmost, and provide you with a safe environment to discuss things with an unbiased person, in ways that perhaps you may not be able to with others in your life.
What can you expect from our time together?
- Your first appointment will be an intake, where you and your therapist will get to know one another. You can expect to share some of your history with your therapist and identify goals for treatment.
- You and your therapist will talk about feelings. You can expect to talk about the hard stuff in your life and the stuff that feels good in your life too, in order to help you process through life challenges and recognize your inner strengths.
- Your therapist will work on providing you with strategies that work well for you in helping you cope and heal. At times this may include your therapist providing you with tools to try at home or learning a coping method in session.
- A cozy environment. One of our goals is to provide a space that feels warm and inviting. Below are some pictures of our office space for you to view! And if there is anything we can do to make the space comfortable for your specific needs, please let us know!
To learn more about the counseling process, strategies and specific mental health related issues, feel free to view our resource pages!
I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?
Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, we’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing your business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. We tailor our therapeutic approach to your specific needs.
How long will it take?
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
We are so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success.