Why do people seek therapy?

People come into therapy for many reasons. Some need to respond to unexpected changes in their lives, while others seek self-exploration and personal growth. When coping skills are overwhelmed by guilt, doubt, anxiety, or despair, therapy can help. 

Therapy can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping for issues such as depression, anxiety, lack of confidence, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, bereavement, spiritual conflicts, stress management, body image issues, and creative blocks. 

People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives.

During sessions you are expected to talk about the primary concerns and issues in your life. A session lasts 50 minutes, but some people request longer sessions. Please keep in mind if your session goes over, fees will be applied accordingly.  

Usually weekly sessions are best. Some people who are in crisis or extreme distress need more than one session per week, at least until the crisis passes. During the time between sessions it is beneficial to think about and process what was discussed. 

At times, you may be asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records. For therapy to "work," you must be an active participant, both in and outside of the therapy sessions.

What benefits can I expect from working with a therapist?

A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Often it is helpful just to know that someone understands. Therapy can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. 

Many people find therapy to be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, and the hassles of daily life. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

• Attaining a better understanding of yourself and your personal goals and values
• Developing skills for improving your relationships
• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
• Find new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
• Managing anger, depression, and other emotional pressures
• Improving communications skills - learn how to listen to others, and have others listen to you
• Getting "unstuck" from unhealthy patterns - breaking old behaviors and develop new ones
• Discovering new ways to solve problems
• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

Since you are a Christian based Counseling Center, does that mean my therapist will pray with me, or pound me over the head with the Bible?

You are correct we are a Christian based Counseling Center and we have much success in our work with hurting or confused
folks who seek our services. However, you do not have to be a Christian to receive therapy at the Center for Family Counseling, nor do you have to attend church. 

Your therapist will not beat you over the head with the Bible, but will work with your own faith based needs, or (lack of faith) should you request this type of work. Your therapist is a professional, and he/she does not impose her faith on you.  If you want to pray in therapy, please don't hesitate to speak to your therapist about this desire.  

What if I don't know what my goals are for therapy?

If you aren't sure what your goals are for therapy, your first task is to figure that out. It may take several sessions before a direction is clarified. During the course of therapy your goals may change. However, establishing a direction for therapy will help you get the most out of the experience.

There is a confusing array of insurance arrangements. In most cases we no longer accept insurance, but sometimes there are exceptions. Overall, we have found that we are able to keep our modest fees intact when our clients are on a cash pay basis. In an effort to assist those who have mental health coverage, we will provide all of our clients with a super bill to send to their insurance for direct reimbursement. 

For those that qualify, we can offer a sliding fee scale. Please speak to your Intake Counselor to make arrangements.

In the unusal event that insurance is accepted, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier as to benefits available for mental health or counseling under your insurance plan. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:

• Do I have mental health benefits?
• What is my deductible and has it been met?
• How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
• How much do you pay for an out-of-net provider?
• Is there a limitation on how much you will pay per session?
• Is primary care physician approval required?

Is therapy confidential?

Everything you say in therapy is held in the strictest confidence. Your therapist will keep case notes as required by law, but these progress notes will only be discussed in supervision or group clinical consultation with his/her Clinical Supervisor. 

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there are number of  legal exceptions to this rule. 

Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s. The therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in insuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, further measures may be taken without their permission in order to ensure their safety.
• The therapist is always charged with the duty to protect the safety and welfare of the client and will always act within the best interests of the client. For example, if you come to therapy loaded or drunk, and the therapist believes you could pose a danger to others driving, then they have the ethical obligation to assist you in finding alternative arrangements to drive home.
• Child/Adolescent Confidentiality: Much to the surprise of many adults and parents, a child/adolescent has the right to confidentiality with his or her therapist. It is our policy to honor this legal right, however, we try to assist the child in disclosing to the parent, as soon as they are ready, because it is our goal to assist the parent and adolescent in keeping the doors of communication open in their relationship. To that end we ask for the cooperation of the parent(s), as we  work to assist both the child and the parents. 
  
  More times than not, our clients will eventually want their parents to know and in upholding their right to confidentiality, opennees and disclosure is achieved at a much faster rate, rather than the client developing mistrust with their therapist, or defences and resistance. 

Why did you name the Therapy center "Mariah"?

We are often asked where the name “Mariah” came from! The name and spelling of “Mariah” is the female version taken from the Biblical word Mount Moriah. We chose the female version because that is what we named our first born daughter, after many years of infertility. Those that are familiar with the Biblical account of Mount Moriah in the Bible know that this mountain was very significant, as it is where another couple (Abraham & Sari) who were infertile, were asked to surrender their only son Issac to God after years of barrenness.

The name Mariah or Moriah means, “I will deliver on what I promise.” Abraham’s was given the promise and hope of a child, as a result of being told by God that he would be the father of many nations, and yet he had no heir, or child of his own. Many events happened on his way to becoming a parent, but after his wife Sari had the promised child, Isaac, God tested him and asked him to surrender his only child.

When God saw Abraham’s faithful but grieving heart demonstrate that he was fully sold out to the Father, and wholly obedient, by not “withholding his first born son from Him”;  He provided a ram for the offering in place of Isaac. This was a picture of foreshadowing of exactly what God did for us through His Son, Jesus Christ’s offering on our behalf.

There are many other promises that God made throughout the ages that have their significance on this mountain, so the name Moriah/Mariah is one of Hope and verification that He will deliver on what He has promised.  

For only in Him do we have our hope!