frequently asked questions

Is meeting with a counselor right for me?
Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life and is willing to work towards that positive change. Working with a counselor can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all sorts of challenges you may face in life. These sessions can help address and overcome any issues you encounter. 

Seeking out therapy is an individual choice and there are many different reasons why people choose to meet with a licensed professional counselor. Therapy is meant to help you heal and cope with anything going on in your life. Many people seek it out in response to long-standing psychological issues, anxiety and depression, or unexpected changes in their life. While there is no set list of reasons to pursue therapy many seek the help and advice of counselors as they pursue personal exploration and growth.

​Do I really need a counselor?  I can usually handle my problems.
I work on from the assumption that you can indeed handle your problems, however I believe that there are situations in which a neutral third-party can be useful in helping you sort out your thoughts and feelings. You are the expert on your life and you've made it this far, but there is no shame in seeking out help. My job is to help you find and follow your inner compass so that you can continue to handle your own problems in an effective and healthy manner. 

​What is a session with a counselor like? 
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific needs. It is common to schedule a series of weekly 50 minute sessions where you discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life with your therapist. Therapy can be short-term, in which you focus on a single issue, or long-term, where you tackle more complex and ongoing issues.

For more insight on my sessions please visit the “A Session at Pearland Place” tab of my website.

​Is medication a substitute for attending counseling? 
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action, however that is not always the answer. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solely solved my medication. Therapy addresses the cause of distress and helps work towards overcoming it and learning to cope with similar situations. 

Work with your medical doctor to determine if medication would benefit you in this therapeutic process, however it is important to understand that it is a tool not a solution. 

​Is what I shared with the counselor confidential? 
​The law protects the confidentiality of all communication between a client and a licensed professional counselor. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.

There are a few exceptions to these rules:

• The counselor is required to report suspected child abuse, dependents adult abuse, or elder abuse to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• The counselor is required to notify the police if a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The counselor will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken which may involve alerting the appropriate authorities.