Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Psychotherapy/ counseling?

It was Socrates who said “The unexamined life is not worth living.” In this modern era, it is through psychotherapy and counseling that the most thorough examination of one’s life is achieved.

Psychotherapy, or counseling, is a process in which an individual, couple, or family collaborate with a trained professional to create a private and nonjudgmental environment for the purpose of discussing and resolving problems and issues with absolute confidentiality.

While the terms psychotherapy and counseling are sometimes used interchangeably, psychotherapy typically indicates a more in-depth analysis of the behaviors and personalities involved and is the more accurate description of my work. This kind of consultation with a trained professional has been shown to drastically increase objectivity, clarification, and insight into most any problem an individual, couple, or family might experience. This process furthers the understanding and acceptance of self and others by allowing for the expression of ideas, opinions, and emotions with a feeling of safety that might not exist in any other situation.

The result is a new perspective based on new information, a better understanding of the issues and personalities involved, an increased awareness of self and available resources, and the ability to make more rational and reliable life choices.

Psychotherapy allows an individual to become the author of his/her own life and is a process from which we all can benefit from time to time.

2. Does counseling or psychotherapy really help?

Whether you are struggling with a current crisis or trying to cope with a chronic feeling of dissatisfaction in your life, counseling can help.  In a Consumer Reports study (1995) the majority of the more than four thousand participants reported that their lives were improved after therapy.

3. What are some of the benefits of therapy?

As a result of therapy you may discover that you are able to:

4. What should I expect? 

Seeking out psychotherapy for the first time, whether for crisis intervention, help in negotiating a life transition, treatment for a condition like depression, or assistance in changing unproductive patterns in your life, can be somewhat anxiety provoking. New situations typically raise our anxiety level a bit and when you are struggling with very personal issues your anxiety can be eased some by knowing what to expect.

Our initial contact is typically by phone. During that conversation we will work out a time for our first meeting and sort out the logistics of directions, parking, etc.  When you arrive you will find a form that you will need to complete.  This form is a simple intake form that asks basic questions such as your name and contact information. At our scheduled time, I will come out to the waiting area to greet you and invite you into the office.

The first few sessions typically are designed to understand your presenting concerns, how the problems developed (if known), how they are affecting your life currently, any developmental factors or family history related to your problems, current difficulties or symptoms (for instance, if you are depressed have you been feeling suicidal, if you are anxious is it interfering with your ability to work, etc.).  After we understand some of what brings you to therapy we will then work to resolve your difficulties.  The work involved in creating changes in your external and internal world can be painful and take some time, but it can also provide you with a rich experience of personal understanding and healing.  

A large part of the therapy process involves your relationship to the therapist.  When discussing personal and private concerns you may experience a range of emotions from sadness, to anger, to joy.  Sometimes those experiences are influenced by your past experiences with others close to you and sometimes they are related to the here and now of the situation.  We will work together to understand their meaning and how to make effective use of our understanding.

5. What is a Licensed Professional Counselor?

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I am qualified to provide a range of services to assist you in resolving existing concerns and promoting a satisfactory and meaningful life path.

Therapists may be Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, mental health nurses and a variety of other credentialed professionals. Although each one is qualified to provide therapy services, the individual person and the relationship you develop is the key component to a successful therapy experience.

In the state of Oklahoma, LPCs are trained at the Master's level with graduate level practicums and post-graduate internships with supervision and specific qualifications required for licensing. In addition to my original training programs, I have engaged in ongoing continuing education programs to further my expertise and understanding of intrapsychic (internal) and interpersonal relationships.  

6. Isn't therapy expensive?  How can I afford therapy?

Sometimes it is difficult to sort out if our problems are troubling enough to warrant the expense of paying for therapy.  People often depend on their friends, relatives and clergy to help them and their input can be supportive and beneficial. When the problems persist or are complex, it may be time to seek out a paid professional trained to help with behavioral, emotional and psychological concerns. 

The value of therapy can not easily be put in economical terms.  Certainly, if you are able to develop a more productive and meaningful life, the value of therapy can be priceless.  The cost of four sessions a month is roughly equal to an average car payment, but the investment in your personal growth and healing can benefit you more than the life-time of a vehicle. Most insurance is accepted.