How is therapy different from talking to my friends or family? – Kahl Counseling and Consultation Online

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Frequently asked questions

Here are some common questions that people inquire about. If you have any other questions please reach out to us and we will be happy to answer them.

Who will my counselor be?
When you call Kahl Counseling, you can request a specific counselor, or the person answering the phone or returning your call will chose one who is the best fit for you. All of our counselors have profiles online at Psychology Today Find a Therapist so you are able to look any of us up there. When you read our counselor profiles you’ll see that we are experienced in treating a variety of issues. Feel free to ask if you don’t see what you’re looking for here. If we can’t help you, we’ll help you find someone who can.
How does my insurance work with counseling?
When you call us we will take your basic insurance information, then have your counselor call you to make an appointment. Your insurance may cover your services 100%, or we will let you know if you have a deductible or copay. Please be aware that when we submit your information for billing, we are required to provide your insurance company with a clinical diagnosis which may then be on your permanent record. If you would prefer to bypass your insurance and pay out of pocket we do offer a hardship fee as well as our regular full fee.
Will anyone know I’m seeing a counselor?
When undergoing counseling it’s important to work with a licensed professional who is not only trained in psychology but will abide by confidentiality laws. Confidentiality means that, by law, you are able to talk about anything and everything you want to and be assured that it will remain private. You may disclose what you and your therapist talk about, but your therapist may only discuss it with specific individuals with your written permission. The only exceptions to this law are when your counselor has reason to believe you may seriously harm yourself or someone else. Otherwise, we cannot even disclose that you are our client.
How is therapy different from talking to my friends or family?
Talking with friends is a great way to get support, but it’s not the same as talking to a counselor. Counselors are professionals with specialized training in helping people who are encountering difficulties in their lives. They can also provide an outside, objective perspective that is different than what your friends or family can provide. And since counselors are paid professionals, they’re not as likely to be judgmental or take what you say personally the way your loved ones might. These conditions are intentionally set up to create a professional relationship between you and your counselor, creating safety for you to feel comfortable being more open about your problems than you might be with people who already know and love you.
How long does counseling take?
The length of time depends on your situation, your goals, and your desire to change or move past your challenges. Some counseling, such as behavioral cognitive therapy with specific concrete goals, is brief (4-6 sessions.) Other counseling, such as psychodynamic or personal growth counseling, can take longer. Don’t hesitate to let your therapist know what your goals are and ask questions about how your therapist plans to work with you. You are the consumer and it’s our job to provide you with good services.
What is mental health?
Mental health is when you are happy with yourself and get along with others in your life, your relationships, and your work. We all go through periods of time when we’re depressed, anxious, or have other uncomfortable feelings. Unhappiness can be caused by temporary situational events, such as losing a job or a relationship, by biology, such as having a condition like clinical depression passed down through your family, by trauma, such as an assault or having been traumatized as a child in your home, or by environmental conditions such as having a substance abuse or gambling problem which has gotten out of hand. If these feelings don’t go away on their own and if you cannot find a way to move past them, it may be time for counseling. It’s healthy to ask for help when you are unable to transcend unhappiness on your own. Counseling can help you develop better inner resources and coping skills to deal with all sorts of life situations, can help you move more swiftly through healing from emotionally painful situations, and can also provide tremendous emotional support while you do so.
What is mental health counseling?
Mental health counseling involves meeting with a trained professional who helps you examine, understand, and improve your relationships with yourself and with others. Improving these relationships can help you feel better about yourself and others and help you be more productive in your personal and professional lives. It will often involve things such as getting a different perspective on your experiences, exploring and discovering things about yourself, making changes in unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaving, processing and letting go of difficult experiences, and learning healthier coping skills.

If you are in immediate crisis, reach out for support and or call your local ememergency services at 911.

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