Frequently Asked Questions

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you have faced, there is nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you are at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Counseling provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

A number of benefits are available from participating in counseling. Counselors can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Counselors can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from counseling depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits include

• Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
• Developing skills for improving your relationships
• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
• Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
• Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
• Improving communications and listening skills
• Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
• Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

Every counseling session is unique and caters to each individual, couple or family and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. Counseling can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking counseling are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:

• Compassion, respect and understanding
• Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
• Real strategies for enacting positive change
• Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance 

In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what is best for you. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, counseling addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.

At this time Renew Counseling Center is not contracted with any health care insurance companies and does not process any claims for clients.  However, we are able to provide you a receipt which includes the description of services and provider information that may be eligible for partial reimbursement from your health care provider.  It is important that you check with your insurance carrier prior to making an appointment to determine any eligibility for such benefits.

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client. However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:

1. If your therapist has a good reason to believe that you will harm another person, he or she must attempt to inform that person and warn them of your intentions. Your therapist must also contact the police and ask them to protect your intended victim.
2. If your therapist has a good reason to believe that you are abusing or neglecting a child or vulnerable adult, or if you give me information about someone else who is doing this, he or she must inform Child Protective Services within 48 hours and Adult Protective Services immediately.
3. If your therapist believes that you are in imminent danger of harming yourself, he or she may legally break confidentiality and call the police or the county crisis team. Your therapist is not obligated to do this, and would explore all other options with you before taking this step. If at that point you were unwilling to take steps to guarantee your safety, your therapist will call the crisis team.
4. In legal cases when under court order by a judge, your therapist may be required to disclose confidential information and/or documents and notes contained in your file.
5. When you have provided written consent for such release of your confidential records.

It is our desire that clients are able to not only seeking counseling services but to also complete treatment.  In certain circumstancces, Renew Counseling Center is able to offer a reduced rate to exceed no more than 15% of the posted session rates.  For more information, contact Ms. Stanley.  A formal request is required with supporting documentation of financial need. All determinations for any discounts are at the sole discretion of the counseling center.  Additionally, Renew Counseling Center partners with several area churches that can sometimes supplement the cost of your counseling services at the discretion of the church.  All financial arrangements with area churches must be initiated by the client and confirmed by a church representative before any sessions will be initiated.