FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What kinds of things do people seek help for?
People seek counseling for a variety of reasons including feeling unhappy, unfulfilled, worried, sad, or angry. People also seek out counseling to help change behaviors that are troubling them including addictive or disordered behaviors or behaviors that affect their relationships at home or at work. Some people seek counseling because they have a life goal that has been eluding them and they are ready to explore their barriers. Other people seek out counseling because they know they are going through a difficult time or facing a difficult decision and they desire a place to sort through their feelings and move forward in their life with intention and clear thinking.
How does counseling help?
When a counseling relationship is working well, clients experience new insights into their situations, clearer thinking, increased energy, better understanding of their feelings and needs, release of troubling emotions that have held them back or been confusing, and a greater sense of wholeness and peace within themselves. Therapy is a process, and a working partnership develops between client and therapist. Therapy is not always comfortable or straightforward as difficult emotions and ways of being often have to be sorted through in order for new energy and change to appear. Clients should feel comfortable with their therapist and be able to ask about whatever is on their mind regarding the process. In spite of these uncomfortable emotions experienced, clients we have worked with feel that the temporary pain of the working through process is well worth leaving behind the continual pain of living the way they previously had been.
What if we are not a traditional couple or family?
We offer a safe place to all individuals regardless of religious beliefs, sexual orientation, sexuality, ethnicity or culture, political orientation and lifestyle.
What types of therapy modalities do you utilize in counseling?
The therapeutic modalities that we may utilize vary and are very much dependent on YOUR particular needs. This being said, here are a few of the modalities that we may utilize during your counseling sessions.
Is what I say confidential?
Absolutely! All client-therapist conversations are private and confidential. Included in this confidentiality is that you are even meeting with a counselor. As Licensed Clinical Social Workers, we follow the professional Code of Ethical Standards set forth by the National Association of Social Workers. Only in rare exceptions when the safety of a client or another is at risk can disclosure of confidential client-therapist information take place.
What can I expect at the first session?
You can expect to talk about the concern(s) that brought you into counseling and also about your background and personal history. You can share on a level that feels comfortable for you. You can also expect to have some brief paperwork to fill out.
How long does a counseling session take?
Sessions are typically scheduled for 50 minutes and most people see their counselor once a week for consistent progress to be made. Our focus is on brief solution focused therapy with the goal of meeting your needs in 6 to 8 session.
How much does counseling cost?
Counseling costs vary depending on location and experience of the counselor. In the Treasure Valley prices range from $80 to $150 per hour. If you have concerns regarding affording psychotherapy, we can discuss these and whether or not you may meet our guidelines for a sliding fee scale. We work out mutually agreeable payment options with all of our clients so that cost does not hinder them in pursuing counseling. While many clients are initially very concerned about whether or not they can afford counseling, most find that as their life and priorities change new ways of funding therapy appear--whether through less need to consume things to distract from pain or through new means of income due to increased energy and investment in life.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept most major credit cards, Paypal, cash and personal check. We are not on insurance panels however, we are more than happy to provide you a super-bill that you may provide to your insurance company. Most insurance companies will pay a portion for individuals who seek care from out-of-network providers.
What does LCSW stand for?
LCSW are the initials to indicate a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. This means that we have a Master's Degree in Social Work and have completed the necessary requirements to be fully licensed in the state of Idaho. Licensing requirements include completing 3,000 post-Master's level work hours under the supervision of an LCSW and passing the state licensing exam in social work. Clinical social work indicates that our expertise is in the area of counseling and psychotherapy within the state of Idaho.
What kinds of things do people seek help for?
People seek counseling for a variety of reasons including feeling unhappy, unfulfilled, worried, sad, or angry. People also seek out counseling to help change behaviors that are troubling them including addictive or disordered behaviors or behaviors that affect their relationships at home or at work. Some people seek counseling because they have a life goal that has been eluding them and they are ready to explore their barriers. Other people seek out counseling because they know they are going through a difficult time or facing a difficult decision and they desire a place to sort through their feelings and move forward in their life with intention and clear thinking.
How does counseling help?
When a counseling relationship is working well, clients experience new insights into their situations, clearer thinking, increased energy, better understanding of their feelings and needs, release of troubling emotions that have held them back or been confusing, and a greater sense of wholeness and peace within themselves. Therapy is a process, and a working partnership develops between client and therapist. Therapy is not always comfortable or straightforward as difficult emotions and ways of being often have to be sorted through in order for new energy and change to appear. Clients should feel comfortable with their therapist and be able to ask about whatever is on their mind regarding the process. In spite of these uncomfortable emotions experienced, clients we have worked with feel that the temporary pain of the working through process is well worth leaving behind the continual pain of living the way they previously had been.
What if we are not a traditional couple or family?
We offer a safe place to all individuals regardless of religious beliefs, sexual orientation, sexuality, ethnicity or culture, political orientation and lifestyle.
What types of therapy modalities do you utilize in counseling?
The therapeutic modalities that we may utilize vary and are very much dependent on YOUR particular needs. This being said, here are a few of the modalities that we may utilize during your counseling sessions.
- Client Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Creative Therapies
- EMDR
- Equine Assisted Therapies
- Mindfulness Counseling
- Narrative Therapy
- Psychoanalytic Therapy
- Psychoeducation
- Somatic/Body Therapy
- Solution Focused Therapy
Is what I say confidential?
Absolutely! All client-therapist conversations are private and confidential. Included in this confidentiality is that you are even meeting with a counselor. As Licensed Clinical Social Workers, we follow the professional Code of Ethical Standards set forth by the National Association of Social Workers. Only in rare exceptions when the safety of a client or another is at risk can disclosure of confidential client-therapist information take place.
What can I expect at the first session?
You can expect to talk about the concern(s) that brought you into counseling and also about your background and personal history. You can share on a level that feels comfortable for you. You can also expect to have some brief paperwork to fill out.
How long does a counseling session take?
Sessions are typically scheduled for 50 minutes and most people see their counselor once a week for consistent progress to be made. Our focus is on brief solution focused therapy with the goal of meeting your needs in 6 to 8 session.
How much does counseling cost?
Counseling costs vary depending on location and experience of the counselor. In the Treasure Valley prices range from $80 to $150 per hour. If you have concerns regarding affording psychotherapy, we can discuss these and whether or not you may meet our guidelines for a sliding fee scale. We work out mutually agreeable payment options with all of our clients so that cost does not hinder them in pursuing counseling. While many clients are initially very concerned about whether or not they can afford counseling, most find that as their life and priorities change new ways of funding therapy appear--whether through less need to consume things to distract from pain or through new means of income due to increased energy and investment in life.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept most major credit cards, Paypal, cash and personal check. We are not on insurance panels however, we are more than happy to provide you a super-bill that you may provide to your insurance company. Most insurance companies will pay a portion for individuals who seek care from out-of-network providers.
What does LCSW stand for?
LCSW are the initials to indicate a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. This means that we have a Master's Degree in Social Work and have completed the necessary requirements to be fully licensed in the state of Idaho. Licensing requirements include completing 3,000 post-Master's level work hours under the supervision of an LCSW and passing the state licensing exam in social work. Clinical social work indicates that our expertise is in the area of counseling and psychotherapy within the state of Idaho.
