FAQs

 

+ How can counseling help my relationship?

At some point in our lives, we can ALL benefit from some form of counsel and support. Counselors provide additional perspective and can facilitate productive interactions between you and your partner through a confidential process. A counselor can help you and your partner acquire new coping skills to face life's challenges together while also exploring patterns of thought, behavior, and communication styles that might be getting in the way.

+ What can we expect during our first counseling session?

When you and your partner make the decision to begin couples counseling, you huge step toward obtaining mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health for your relationship. For many couples, taking this step can feel overwhelming, stressful, and terrifying. Your courage is amazing and we are humbled by it. We feel honored you have chosen us to be a part of your relationship journey and will strive to provide you with a kind, caring, and honest environment where you feel supported, encouraged, and considerately challenged to be create your BEST relationship.

If this is your first time in counseling, here are a few tips for what therapy IS:

  • A nonjudmental space where you feel honored, considered, and respected
  • A collaborative process between you, your partner, and your counselor
  • Open and honest communication by your counselor about their education, training, and counseling approach
  • An opportunity to receive information and education about mental, emotional, and relational processes
  • Receiving caring and sometimes direct feedback about unhelpful thinking, behaving, and relational patterns

Upon scheduling your first appointment, you and your partner will be sent the forms to complete online via simplepractice.com. As soon as you complete them, your counselor will recive an electronic notice and will be able to read your paperwork. It's best to complete these forms ahead of time so the counseling process can get started right away.

During the first session, your counselor will begin by trying to understand the reason(s) you and your partner are seeking counseling. You will have an opportunity to ask questions about the counseling process, logistics, the counselor's education and training background. It is vital that you feel comfortable with your counselor’s approach to counseling, so feel free to ask lots of questions. The first couple of sessions are about treatment planning and identifying the relationship goals which is a joint effort. You, your partner, and the counselor will work together to come up with a treatment plan that is focused on the relational goals and the issues you are most concerned about addressing.

+ Is counseling confidential?

Confidentiality is a critical component of the counseling relationship, allowing you a safe place to work through personal issues. Your right to confidentiality will be carefully maintained and will not be disclosed without your permission. Exceptions to confidentiality include possible harm to yourself or others, child or elder abuse, or a court subpoena. Please note that in couples counseling, counselors do not agree to keep secrets. Information revealed may be discussed with either partner. Also, please be aware that emailing and texting your counselor are not guaranteed forms of confidentiality.

+ How often do counseling appointments take place?

The frequency of counseling appointments varies depending on the type of support being sought. At Cambium Counseling, we want you and your partner to experience relief as quickly as possible and for you to efficiently gain momentum with whatever you are working on, so we typically recommend clients begin meeting with a counselor on a weekly or biweekly basis. Sessions can increase in frequency to multiple times a week, longer sessions, or just a few times per month. If Cambium Counseling is not able to accommodate what is clinically necessary for your success, then your counselor will provide you with referrals for other trusted professionals.

+ How long will I need counseling?

How long you engage in counseling is unique to each individual situation. Research has shown that individuals seeking counseling may be able to see improvements in their life in fewer sessions than couples or families attending counseling because changes in a system typically require more time and energy for those changes to be sustained long term. Once you meet with your counselor, a collaborative plan can be developed based on what is best for you, your relationship, or family.

+ What if my counselor and I do not seem to be working well together?

Research has shown time and time again that the relationship between the counselor and client is essential for good therapeutic work to take place. If for some reason you, your parnter, or your counselor do not feel like it is a good fit, you will be provided with at least three referrals to other trusted mental health professionals.

+ What is your cancellation policy?

A rescheduled or cancelled appointment delays the important work you and your partner are doing in counseling. When you must reschedule or cancel, please follow up with at least 48 hours notice. In you are unable to provide at least 48 hours notice, you will be charged the full fee for your session because the time commitment is made to you and is held exclusively for you. For Monday appointments, please contact your counselor by 3 pm the previous Friday to reschedule or cancel the appointment. If you are late for a session, unfortunately you will miss out on session time.