I have been in this field for quite some time now and pretty immune to all the “lingo” that goes along with my job. I sometimes forget and take for granted that others automatically know what I do. The truth is, that’s not the case. I get all kinds of phone calls on a daily basis asking exactly what I do….so here it is folks, a rundown of what you get (or don’t get) when you see a counselor.
I DON’T prescribe medications. You need to see your MD or a psychiatrist for that. A psychiatrist is a doctor, went to med school and is a wealth of knowledge for when it comes to needed medications for things like depression and anxiety. Your regular family doctor might prescribe these medications for a short time, however they might eventually refer you to a psychiatrist for further follow up to ensure the medications are working the correct way. When you see a psychiatrist, don’t be disappointed when they don’t see you for an hour every time you are there. They don’t generally run their practice for talk therapy, but rather for medication management.
I don’t work miracles in one appointment. Some people come to me and want to know exactly what to do after that first appointment to never have to come back again. I wish it were that easy. However, when you see me for the first time, a lot of that hour is information gathering. I need to get to know why you are in my office. I need to know what you are dealing with, what has worked in the past and what hasn’t. It’s generally the second appointment that the “work” begins. I will help you set goals for yourself and for our time together, but in dealing with emotional issues, there is no quick fix. Some people only need to see me for a few weeks, others need a few months and others need to come in once a month for a year. I am going to work with you and have you come in to benefit you, I am not in the business to waste your time or mine. I truly want to help you and nothing makes me happier than when you don’t need to see me as often, as this means good things are happening!
I don’t get surprised by anything. I have seen and heard just about all of it. Don’t be ashamed to tell me anything. Honesty is the only way you are going to help yourself and if I don’t have all the pieces to the puzzle, I can’t help you reach your goals to the fullest extent. I care for all of my clients and when you are in my office, you are the focus of my complete attention. Due to the nature of my job and the things I do hear on a daily basis, I am able to check it at the door when I go home for the night. I am pretty sure just about any counselor would agree. I am not there to judge you or the actions you have taken in the past. I am human too, I have made mistakes and have my own quirks. When you are in my office, I see a person who wants to make changes and learn from those things in their past that aren’t always so pleasant. That is what I am going to focus on, how you can learn from things and where to go from here.
There might be that instance when we don’t click and that I am not the best equipped to help you. Please tell me your thoughts and we can go from there. I can refer you to someone who I think can help you better. Just like any other relationship, two people just might not click and that’s okay. Just please don’t stop coming, but again, be honest and let me help you to find the avenues that will benefit you the best!
When you walk in my office, I see you and want to help you with whatever you are dealing with. Stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, and trauma are just a few of the things that I see on a daily basis. But how you struggle and cope with depression is different than someone else with depression. I don’t do “cookie cutter” therapy. I will focus on your strengths and help you build from there. I love nothing more than helping bring to light the positive aspects in your life and within you that you can use to get back to living a healthy and productive life! You deserve it! And if you have more questions, PLEASE don’t hesitate to call, I would be happy to speak with you further! And on that note, I answer my own phone (no office help just yet), so if you get the answering machine, please leave a message, I WILL call you back just as soon as I can in that same day.
Once again, I hope everyone is having a great week! And as always, I love to hear feedback, so leave a comment or e-mail me anytime for things you might want to see on here along with any questions or comments. And it might just give me the push to keep to my promise of updating this once a week as initially promised!!!
