FAQ
HOW DO I SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT?
You can contact me using the contact form on this website, by emailing laura@stepping-stones-counseling.com, or by calling 919-374-8194.
I offer a free 20 minute phone consultation so that we can discuss your needs and try to determine if I might be a good fit for what you are looking for.
HOW LONG IS EACH COUNSELING SESSION, AND HOW LONG DO PEOPLE COME TO COUNSELING?
The first counseling session, the intake session, is typically 60-90 minutes. During this session we talk about your current concerns as well as any relevant life history. We identify your strengths and supports. We will also work together to identify your goals for counseling and talk about what the process may look like for you. Each subsequent session is approximately 50-55 minutes. Often, counseling initially occurs on a weekly basis, moving toward less frequent sessions (ex: biweekly, monthly) as we progress.
The duration of therapy varies from person to person, and it depends on your unique situation. Counseling may take just a few sessions or it may take longer. We work together to identify how things are going and make modifications as needed. Your feedback on how the sessions are progressing is important. We will discuss plans for “termination” or ending therapy, as you move toward your goals.
HOW DOES CONFIDENTIALITY WORK?
Confidentiality is essential in helping people feel that therapy is a safe and trusted environment, and that they can address issues in their life without judgment. Confidentiality means that I will keep the topics and issues we discuss in therapy, as well as your identity, private and between us. Confidentiality extends to my work with children and adolescents as well. That being said, parental involvement is essential to successful treatment. A healthy balance requires that limited information be shared with parents. The exceptions to confidentiality are in cases of a client’s intention to hurt themself, disclosures of abuse or neglect of children or other adults, or if a client discloses the intention to harm someone else. Confidentiality must be broken in these cases to protect those involved. Clients may also elect to release some of their health information to other parties, such as doctors, school counselors, or other family members, with advance written permission.
DO YOU OFFER TELEHEALTH?
Yes, I use a HIPAA compliant platform for telehealth services for teen and adult clients, when requested.
DO YOU WORK WITH CHILDREN OF DIVORCED/SEPARATED PARENTS?
Yes. However, both custodial parents will be required to consent to the child being seen and both parents will be encouraged to participate in the sessions as appropriate. (Recognizing that there are extenuating circumstances at times when a parent may not be available. These situations will be assessed on a case by case basis). If your situation is higher-conflict, I will be happy to provide you with resources for other local therapists who specialize in this work. Stepping Stones Family Counseling does not do any court-involved work, does not provide mediation services, and does not provide custody evaluations and/or make recommendations regarding custody arrangements.
DO YOU OFFER CHRISTIAN OR FAITH BASED COUNSELING?
Yes! Integrating your faith perspective into counseling can be very powerful, as our beliefs and spirituality are such important parts of who we are. We can integrate faith to whatever degree you feel comfortable. While I am a Christian, I will never push this perspective onto you. I will honor and respect whatever your belief system is, or wherever you may be on your faith journey.
HOW DO I KNOW IF A THERAPIST IS THE RIGHT FIT?
Finding a counselor with whom you feel comfortable and who you feel is qualified to help you move toward your goals is very important. As with many professional services, there are a range of personalities, styles, and approaches, and finding the right counselor is a key factor in how successful the process is likely to be for you.
Some things to consider include the therapist’s level of experience with the specific therapeutic issue that you are seeking help with. Also, consider the importance of factors such as age, gender or ethnicity. Considerations of personality and therapy style are also very important. Some examples of this might include how sessions are structured, use of humor, how directive the therapist is, etc.
If after we meet, you feel that a therapist with a different approach would be a better fit, I will work with you to help you get connected with someone.