Frequently Asked Questions about Counseling
1. How long will the counseling process take?
There is no direct answer to this question. The greatest variable in estimating the number of sessions an individual or couple might need lies in the answer to these questions: “What am I hoping to achieve?” and "How hard am I willing to work to achieve the goals set forth?" For couples or individuals who have a specific, readily determinable dilemma or conflict to resolve, this can often be achieved within 7 to 10 sessions, sometimes more, sometimes less. On the other hand if you are not exactly sure what it is that is troubling you, or if you would like to work on more deeply rooted issues that extend far back into your childhood, then you may well find that more time will be needed.
In general people will begin to “feel” differently about their issues and circumstances quite some time before they understand the roots/nature of why they are having difficulties in the first place. How long you might need to come, and how many sessions you will ultimately attend will be entirely up to you, your schedule, your finances, your level of distress, and what best suits your needs.
2. Do you bill insurance?
Yes. but only for Regents BlueCross BlueShield, University of Utah Health Network, and Tricare. For Out of Network Benefits, I can provide you with a monthly Superbill (receipt of sessions paid) which you will submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement for out-of-network plans.
3. What is Couples/Relationship/Marital Counseling?
• It is for couples who are willing to look at how deficiencies in their relationship and their interactions with each other affect their lives.
• It helps couples improve their relationship by working on communication, problem solving, conflict reduction and other identified issues.
• The program will generally involve eight sessions together, which will begin following an assessment appointment with a therapist. It is not uncommon for the individuals partners to seek counseling to deal with personal issues that negatively impact the relationship.
• Topics covered in these sessions will include family history, communication, trust, goal setting, and problem solving.
4. What if my spouse or significant other doesn't want to come to marital/relationship counseling?
It is not unusual for a spouse to be unhappy in a marriage and the other spouse to not feel comfortable enough to go to counseling. The first step is to come by yourself for an individual session. It is not uncommon for a spouse to join in on the sessions at a later time. However, even if he/she refuses to come, you can still change the dynamics of your relationship simply by making changes in the way you respond and react to your spouse. We believe that one spouse can make a difference because we know if one part of the family improves, change is inevitable.
