1) Can Counseling help me?

Many people find that counselors can be a tremendous help in working through problems that you just can't sort out on your own. Therapists can give an objective assessment of your situation and work with you to come up with a plan to get you back on track.

​

2) What problems can I work on with my therapist?

A therapist can help you work on a variety of problems. These include depression, anxiety, marriage/couples’ issues, job dissatisfaction, confusion about your feelings, grief, low self-esteem, and life transitions. At Brusca Wellness we also work with clients who struggle with symptoms related to severely disabling mental illness.

​

3) What will happen at the first session?

During the first session, you and your therapist will discuss what brought you to therapy and how this issue is impacting your life and you relationships with others. The therapist will ask questions to gain insight on the nature of the problem, how long it has been an issue, what you have tried to correct the problem and if anything you have tried has worked. Then you and your therapist will come up with a plan to resolve the issue and the steps that you will start taking to reach your goals. You will be expected to be an active participant in your therapy, as change can only happen if you are practicing what you learn in session when you are outside the therapy office.

​

4) Is therapy confidential?

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and a therapist. Successful counseling requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office.   Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone.  This is called “Informed Consent”.  Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.

However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

 * Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.

* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threated to harm another person.

​

5) What does therapy cost?

This depends on a few factors. If you have insurance it will depend on the copay you have. If you do not have insurance or you choose to not use your insurance, there is a sliding scale fee.

​

6) What do I do if I don't feel that it is a good match with my therapist?

The client/therapist relationship is similar to all relationships in life in that there are some people we feel more comfortable with than others. If you don't feel that it is a good fit with your therapist you can discuss this with your therapist and ask for a referral to another therapist. Each therapist has their unique personality, style, and theoretical orientation. Therapy is not necessarily a "one size fits all" situation so if you and your therapist do not seem like a good fit, realize that there might be a better fit with a different therapist. Please note that sometimes therapy can be difficult or uncomfortable when you are discussing painful, emotional topics. This does not necessarily mean you and your therapist are not a good match, but that somethings are difficult to process. Clients should feel comfortable with their therapist and be able to ask about whatever is on their mind regarding the process.

​