How Do I Choose A Counselor?
To choose the most effective counselor you should be aware of what you would like to address and the outcome you would like to achieve. Review the counselor’s training and areas of speciality. Next, contact the counselor to discover if they are easy to talk with and that they understand your specific concerns.
How long are counseling sessions?
Session length depends on individual needs. Typically, a clinical hour is 50 -54 minutes. This is a standard counseling session. You may also have a clinical intake session that may be up to 90-minutes long. This is to provide the counselor with more information about your unique concerns and to identify helpful goals that you may want to utilize in your life.
How often will I have sessions?
Weekly essions are recommended. for the first 3-months. After that, the counselor will work with you to determine what is necessary for you to meet your goals in a clinical and meaningful manner. For more complex issues, co-occurring disorders or severe symptoms, more counseling sessions may be needed in the beginning. Back Country Counseling does not offer acute services.
What happens in counseling sessions?
Typically, the first 4-5 sessions allow you an opportunity to tell your story and become familiar with the counselor. This time is used to better understand your issues and needs, to help to build rapport, discuss goals and finally to begin a personalized treatment plan. The next phase is the “treatment phase.” The treatment phase provides you with deeper insight and understanding. You will also learn new skills, experience personal growth, as your engagement creates and maintains long-term change.
I’ve met my goals, now what?
When you meet your goals, you will move into a “maintenance phase”. Maintenance phase sessions may be reduced from once a week to twice per month. This allows an opportunity for you to use learned skills and implement them into various areas of your life. A check-in with your counselor during this phase will give you time to explore and discuss your successes and any remaining concerns you may have. You are always able to return to weekly sessions if needed.
I am ready to stop counseling, now what?
Once you are using your skills, have less frequent symptoms and are feeling more confident in general, along with your counselor, you will discuss reducing your therapy to once per month. This may last for three or more months. If needed you can increase or ask for more sessions. When you are feeling confident in your progress and/or resolution of the issues, your counselor will discharge you from services. You are always welcome to return to counseling at any time.
How long does this process last?
The counseling process and length will depend on a variety of factors which your counselor will discuss with you. Some factors are: your engagement and commitment to the process, the resolution of your issues, your ability to learn and implement new skills combined with your counselor’s ability to provide a personalized path to healing.