So you think therapy might be right for you but …
You have concerns and questions about the process and it’s hard to take that first step. We get it. Let’s see if we can answer some of those questions. If you still have questions, contact us and we will do our best to get you the information you need.
Do I see the therapist at the office in Campbell or on Telehealth?
Every therapist on staff has different ways of seeing clients. Right now, during COVID most are only seeing people via Telehealth. It is confidential and secure. There are some staff who are seeing a few clients in the office with masks and social distancing of course. To best answer your question about this, ask the therapist you are considering working with to learn what they are doing. You can also ask them more about Telehealth if you have concerns or specific questions.
How long does a counseling session typically last?
The average session is 50 minutes. Appointments are paid for at the time of the session.
What happens during the first counseling session?
Every therapist is different, but in general it goes something like this. The first session is your first time getting to know one another. You’ll have the time to tell the therapist about what has been happening in your life. You only share what you want to share. After all, you are just meeting. Then you will talk together about what you would like to have your life look like once therapy is over. What things have been bugging you that you would like to have stop? It is good for you and your therapist to know have a clear understanding about what your goals are and to know when you are ready to end therapy.
How do I know if I really need counseling?
It is time to start counseling if:
- You are feeling overwhelmed and exhausted
- You have tried everything you can think of to make the situation better and nothing is working
- You feel anxious and/or depressed and those feelings are really getting in the way of you living a happy and healthy life
- You are just done with your relationships, but you also don’t know if it is over or you’re just over it.
- You are not sleeping well, not eating right, not enjoying the things that you used to like to do
- You don’t know where else to turn and you think that there has got to be a better way
- You’re worried about yourself or worried about a loved one and you don’t know what to do
- You have been feeling ashamed and fearful for a long time and you’d like to feel free of that
Beginning counseling now can bring the change you have been longing for. You deserve to feel better, guided by an experienced therapist who knows what to do to get you to that future. You deserve a life that is grounded and in balance and one where you are appreciated and know you have value.
What kinds of issues do your therapists treat?
There are so many of us on staff that we treat many types of mental health concerns. Here is a partial list:
- anxiety, panic, OCD
- depression, hopelessness
- suicidal thoughts
- trauma from the past or more recently
- fear, nightmares, confusion, terror
- relationship conflicts and communication breakdowns
- anger management
- eating issues and disorders
- alcohol and addiction issues
- concerns about parenting
- concerns about children and teens
- grieving a loss of a loved one or dream for yourself
- adjusting to life transitions – moving, marriage, starting a family, job changes, retirement, divorce
- Veterans and their families
If you don’t see what you are concerned about, contact us and we will direct you to a therapist on staff or someone in the community who can help you.
How often will I need to come to counseling?
Most of our therapists find that meeting weekly helps clients move towards what they truly want and need. You want counseling to be helpful and moving along to your goals, getting the most out of every session. For that reason weekly session are the most effective and the best use of your time and commitment.
How long will I need to come to counseling?
This is a difficult question to answer because everyone is different and has different needs. Whether it is 3 months, 6 months or whenever your therapist will move towards getting what you need to feel like yourself again. We will keep track of why you came in and how you are improving as we go along.
That seems like a lot. Why does it take so long? What are we doing that whole time?
You have spent a long time building up to feelings that you are calling about, this hurt and frustration, and you have waited a while before making this call. Every therapist works differently. For example, there will likely be some sessions about what is happening in your life today. What can you do about those people or situations in your life that bring you sadness or hurt? Some sessions will be about the things in your life that brought you to where you are. Together you may be resolving old wounds or looking at what you were taught, hurts that have gotten you to where you are today. Talk to your therapist to get more of an answer to this question. Healing takes time. Change takes time. It is a commitment to yourself, so that you can live the life you have been longing for.
What is the difference between and Licensed therapist and an Associate therapist? And what is a Supervisor?
A Licensed therapist is a clinician who has done all the necessary testing, experience and continuing education to be Licensed as a Marriage Family Therapist(MFT)in the state of California. An Associate therapist is someone who has completed the educational requirements and is working toward getting a license by gaining hours of more experience. All Associates have their work supervised by a Supervisor, who is a Licensed therapist trained to supervise.
How much do sessions cost?
Each Renew therapist, Licensed and Associates, set their own fees. To get an exact fee you will need to discuss that with them. In general, Licensed therapist charge from $180 to over $200. Associates fees can run from $100 to $180.
Are sessions covered by my insurance?
Most of the Renew therapists are not contracted with any insurance companies. We all do however offer a Superbill, the paperwork needed for you to submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement.
What if counseling isn’t working?
There are times when counseling isn’t working and there can be many reasons why. It could be that you and your therapist are not quite the right fit. Perhaps you thought it was going to be different than it turns out to be. Sometimes there are scheduling issues or life gets in the way.
Whatever the reason, we want you to get the healing and the help you need. If it is not working, talk to your therapist about it and see if together you can make changes. Your therapist may even give you the names of some other therapists that you may find more helpful. No one therapist is good for everyone, so maybe you need someone different. Your healing is our primary concern and your therapist will work together with you to get you what you need.
I am ready to start counseling. What do I do next?
Click here to get started or go over the list of Renew therapists at Meet our Therapists.