Frequently Asked Questions

I am not sure if counseling is right for me, what can I do?

If you are not sure counseling is the right choice for you, you can request to speak with a counselor to answer any questions you have. We can meet for 15-minutes, at no charge to you, to help you decide if counseling is the appropriate next step.

How do I make an appointment?

Please use our appointment scheduler to make an appointment. When you click on the button you will have the opportunity to choose if you would like to take advantage of a 15-minute consultation (recommended for new clients) or to request a full or ongoing 50-minute appointment.

Do you accept insurance?

At this time, we do not accept insurance in California. However, if you have a PPO or HSA, please discuss with your counselor or wellness coach about the option of being provided a superbill or other documentation. A superbill is a detailed invoice outlining the services a client received. Clients can submit a superbill to their insurer for reimbursement of services according to their insurers reimbursement policies. In Kansas and New Hampshire, we accept Blue Cross Blue Shield.

What is the difference between counseling and therapy?

Although there are many applications of the word counseling and therapy in the broad context, for our intents and purposes counseling and therapy or counselor and therapist are synonymous. In other words there is no difference between them, they are the same.

How long will counseling/therapy take?

The time you invest in counseling is up to you and can be dependent on your therapy goals, You will have an initial intake session that allows you to share with your counselor information about yourself and your situation. At this session you may set therapy goals and strategize next steps. Your second and subsequent sessions will include engaging in therapeutic activities that facilitate healing, change, and growth.

How do I know if counseling/therapy is working?

You will know if counseling/therapy is working when you begin to feel like the process of change has been engaged and is moving. Change has several elements that include: 1) when the desire to change is just below the surface of our awareness; 2) the contemplation of change; 3) preparing for change; 4) taking action toward change; and 5) maintaining the change. Now change, growth, and healing can be difficult, even painful, but often comes with insight, new understanding, and new skills to keep going and moving toward progress and your therapeutic goals.

What is the difference between counseling and coaching?

It is important to know that the practice of coaching and counseling are distinct. Although counseling and coaching share similar qualities, there is a significant difference between them:

Facilitation: Counseling is facilitated by a licensed therapist who completed state-specific training and exam requirements. Counseling is also guided by specific laws and ethics related to the counseling field.

Coaches, however, are not required to hold a license in the state in which they practice but many of them do complete specialized training. Our coaches either have specialized training in their coaching field, hold a coaching certification, or are in the process of becoming certified.

Process: Counseling is a formal partnership intended to engage with you in a therapeutic relationship. This partnership often includes the process of exploring the past and its influence on your present situation, usually involves examining emotions in relation to your current state, is grounded in therapeutic modalities, includes therapy goal-setting, and may involve a mental health diagnosis.

Coaching is not psychotherapy, it is less formal, and is limited to engaging in a partnership that is focused on the present and future goals. In addition, coaching is solution and performance-driven through education, inspiration, and accountability. Therefore, the role of the coach is to educate, encourage, and hold individuals accountable for their future plans and goals.

What is the difference between a psychoeducational group and a process group?

We offer psychoeducational groups and process groups. Psychoeducation groups spend part of the 90-minute group session learning about the topic of the group and the remaining time processing the group’s learning, understanding, experiences, insight, thoughts and feelings related to the group topic. Process groups spend the whole 90-minutes of the group session processing experiences, insight, thoughts, and feelings related to the group topic.

If I am interested in a presentation, workshop, or retreat facilitation for my business or organization, how I can I get more information?

If you have any questions about our presentations, workshops, and retreat facilitation, please request a complimentary 15-minute consultation using the appointment button below.