Question 1

Why do people seek therapy?

Accepted Answer

People come to therapy for many reasons. Some people need to respond to unexpected changes in their lives, while others seek self-exploration and personal growth. When coping skills are overwhelmed by guilt, doubt, anxiety, or despair, therapy can help! Therapy can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping for issues such as depression, anxiety, lack of confidence, relationship trouble, unresolved childhood issues, bereavement, spiritual conflicts, stress management, body image issues, and creative blocks. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to work towards self-chance and create greater awareness in their lives.

Question 2

What is therapy like?

Accepted Answer

Every counseling session is unique and caters to you and your specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the issues you’ve identified as concerns in your life during sessions, which usually occur weekly, and last fifty minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth.
 
   There may be times when you are asked to do activities outside of the therapy sessions. Remembering what has been discussed in session is an important process and should be integrated into your life between sessions. For counseling to be most effective, you must play an active role, both during and between your sessions.
 
   People seeking counseling who are motivated, willing to work towards self-change, and create greater awareness in their lives are most successful in therapy. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:
- Compassion, acceptance, respect and understanding
- Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
- Real strategies for enacting positive change
- Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance

Question 3

How can therapy help me?

Accepted Answer

There are a number of benefits you can receive from counseling. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and build on how you’ve managed previous challenges. Many people also find that counselors can be a big help in managing your personal growth, your relationships, family concerns, and the hassles of day to day life. Therapists can help you look at a difficult problem and can help you find a clearer direction to a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
- Understanding yourself, your goals and values better
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding answers to what led you to therapy
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communication and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

Question 4

What can I expect in my therapy session?

Accepted Answer

During session you are expected to talk about the primary concerns and issues in your life. A session lasts 50 minutes, but some people request longer sessions. Usually, weekly sessions are best. Some people who are in crisis or extreme distress need more than one session per week, at least until the crisis passes. During the time between sessions, it is beneficial to think about the process that was discussed. At times, you may be asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book. For therapy to work, you must be an active participant, both in and outside of the therapy sessions.

Question 5

What benefits can I expect from working with a therapist?

Accepted Answer

A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Often it is helpful just to know that someone understands. Therapy can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. Many people find therapy to be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, and the hassles of daily life. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits from therapy may include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself and your personal goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Find new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communication skills- learn how to listen to others and have others listen to      you
- Getting “unstuck” from unhealthy patterns – breaking old behaviors and develop new        ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
- Heal from trauma

Question 6

What do the letters mean at the end of the counselor’s name?

Accepted Answer

Often a counselor will list the initials as the type of education they have received, such as MA for Master’s of Arts in Counseling. Next, they will list the first letters of the type of licensure they have, for example, LMHC, which is a licensed mental health counselor or LMFT which is licensed marriage and family therapist. Licensed counselors have met the requirements of the state licensing board in which they practice in order to be licensed as a counselor. Licensed counselors are also required to maintain a certain number of hours in continuing education.
 
Registered counslor interns have at least a Master’s degree which includes 1000 hours of supervision during their master’s program. In addition, each state requires two years of post-master’s supervision and passing a national counseling exam. So, Registered Counselor Interns are completing their two years of post-master's supervision, similar to a doctor needing to complete a residency, prior to becoming fully licensed.

Question 7

How can I pay for services?

Accepted Answer

Cash, check, debit, or credit card is accepted. We do require a valid credit or debit card to be kept on record.

Question 8

What do I need to bring with me on my first visit?

Accepted Answer

Please download the forms for your counselor only. Please be sure to complete them prior to you first session... print, complete, and bring them with you to your first appointment. Should you not be able to do this, please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment in order to complete the forms before your session.

Question 9

Do I need to take medications?

Accepted Answer

Licensed counselors in the state of FL are not legally authorized to prescribe medications. Counselors may refer clients to meet with a psychiatrist to determine whether medication management would be of benefit. However, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of mental health. They are able to assess and prescribe you medication, if needed.

Question 10

Does my health insurance reimburse me for your fees?

Accepted Answer

We are considered "Out of Network" providers for most insurance companies. Some health insurance companies will reimburse, as long as it is provided by a licensed professional in the state of Florida. Before scheduling an appointment, call your insurance company to inquire if your type of plan provides for reimbursement for “out of network” providers. If your plan does provide reimbursement, we will be happy to provide you with the necessary documentation to submit to your insurance company.
 
Our office does accept: Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts as payment.

Question 11

Will I go in with my child?

Accepted Answer

At LTC we like to keep the communication open between all parties involved (child, parent(s), therapist), while also making sure the child knows that their confidentiality will be kept between them and their counselor.
 
Parents will join their child, for the first part of your child's first session. This allows everyone to be able to voice their concerns and their hopes for the outcome of therapy. In following sessions, parents may be asked to join the therapy session and as a parent we would also encourage you to speak to your child's counselor regarding your involvement!

Question 12

How long and how many times a week is a typical session?

Accepted Answer

A therapy session is a 50 minute “hour”. This allows for proper preparation and documentation time before and after each session. Most clients are seen once a week in the initial stages of therapy. As a client progresses, the time between therapy sessions increases to every two weeks or once a month. We encourage all clients to play an active role in determining how often they would like to meet.
 
***Our office also offers intensives, 3-, 5-, and 8-hour intensives, to help create rapid change in a shorter amount of time.

Question 13

What is an intensive?

Accepted Answer

An Individual or Marital Intensive is a way to really dig deep and get more healing and work accomplished in a shorter amount of time. You and your therapist will discuss in advance what your goals and desires are for your intensive. Your intensive will be personalized for you and your specific situation!
 
Please contact our office for more details regarding your future intensive and what you have to look forward too!

We are looking to add a Licensed Counselor to our team! Learn More.

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