FAQs

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family? What am I paying for?

The difference is between someone who can listen and maybe offer advice, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally from outside your circle. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way, find different perspectives and make life better. We listen to you without judgment or expectations and help you listen to yourself. We have extensive training in a variety of integrative therapies to help you gain the skills and the knowledge you need. 

Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing your business.” 

Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all. We know it takes courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. We’ll help you explore and identify your strengths, and learn how to implement them to reduce or resolve the problems you are facing.

Isn’t therapy expensive? I’m not sure I can afford it.

You may not think it's affordable at first. However, the cost of neglecting your mental and emotional health adds up even more. We do our best to work with your financial needs as part of the therapy process. Don’t be afraid to have a conversation with us about our fees and your needs.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions? How long will this take?

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, the process will be different depending on the individual. We tailor our therapeutic approaches to your specific needs. Your circumstances, goals, and strengths are unique. Your commitment, in attending sessions regularly and doing your “homework,” helps the process immensely.

What does “integrative mental health” mean?

“Integrative” means unifying separate things. We approach the task of helping you reach your goals from multiple perspectives. Depending on your strengths and goals, those perspectives include addressing physical and spiritual needs and looking at relationship and community connections. We may also suggest other complementary therapies in conjunction with your medical provider and other healing professionals.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication can be effective, but alone it does not solve all issues and the side effects may be troublesome. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with therapy. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals for long lasting health.

What does "faith-based" mean?

Faith-based therapy means that our work includes spiritual and/or religious components. We believe that a healthy spirituality is part of integrative mental health. It does NOT mean we automatically incorporate particular spiritual or religious practices, or tell you what to believe.