FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 
 

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT FROM COUNSELING HERE.

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What IS counseling?

Counseling is a process where you join with a professional to discuss your life problems and difficulties. The more open and honest you are with a counselor, the more beneficial it will be for you. Your friends and family love you, however they have certain limits because of their relationship with you. Because of this, they likely won’t give you certain feedback that you may need. It may also be inappropriate for them to discuss certain topics with you. Counselors will give you professional guidance, feedback, and direction that has been proven to help many people in their lives.

To learn more about the counseling process, click here.

How long does it take?

Individual sessions are typically 50 minutes long. For some individuals, counseling can be a temporary support through a difficult time in life, like a treating a wound until it heals. For others it may need to be more constant, like regularly updating your phone software to stay current. Typically, the length of counseling is dependent on your openness and willingness to work and change for the better. It can be as short as a few weeks or as long as a number of years—it all ties back to the goals and objectives we set together.

Learn more about how long therapy takes here.

How available are you if I need to talk?

You can always call my number if you need to talk, however I cannot promise that I will be available. Please leave me a voice message or a text message with your name and I will get back to you as soon as I can (within 24 hours). If you feel you need to talk in person before our next session, you’re welcome to schedule an additional session via my scheduling page. Please note, these sessions will only be available as my schedule permits.

is what I share kept confidential?

As a professional counselor,  I am legally mandated to report specifics from our sessions without your approval for the following reasons:

  1. You have plans of harming yourself.

  2. You have plans of harming someone else.

  3. Someone is physically or sexually abusing you and you are a minor, disabled adult, or if you report child or elder abuse.

If you are a minor, as part of the confidential laws and ethics around counseling, I will not discuss the content of our sessions with your parents or guardians. It will be time for you to feel free to speak with 100% honesty without risk of judgement or shame. I will provide parents with more broad updates about your involvement in counseling and your progress. Anything outside of this I will ask your permission and will discuss with you in session before talking to your parent/guardian.

For more information, see my Terms + Conditions page.

Can you be reached if i’m in a crisis?

I am available to talk on the phone during business hours,  however please understand that I will not always be able to take your call and will try to return your calls as soon as possible (within 24 hours). To be clear, due to my schedule I cannot provide the support that a crisis counselor could provide, should you find yourself in a crisis please contact the appropriate resources below.

Crisis resources:

  • San Diego Access and Crisis line: 888-724-7240

  • National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255

  • Crisis Text line: Text “HOME” to 741741

  • California Youth Crisis Line: 1-800-843-5200

  • Call 9-1-1 Emergency Services (in the case immediate danger or you are in a life or death situation)