Frequently Asked ?s

How can therapy help me?

Everyone goes through challenging situations, and while you may have successfully navigated through some of them on your own, there is nothing wrong with seeking 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 takes both wisdom and courage. You are taking responsibility by committing to make positive changes in your life when you seek therapy. The benefits you obtain depend on how well you utilize the process and put into practice what you learn.

Some of the long-lasting benefits available from therapy include:


  • A better understanding of yourself, your goals, and your core values
  • Improving communication and conflict resolution skills to enhance interpersonal relationships
  • Learning strategies to reduce stress and anxiety
  • Exploring ways to cope with triggers and other residual effects of trauma
  • Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
  • Changing unhealthy behavior patterns and developing new ones
  • Resolving long-standing issues and concerns
  • Improving self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

What is therapy like?

Because each person has different concerns and goals, therapy will be different depending on the individual.  In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, examine personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress from the previous therapy session as you apply the new insights gained from working with your therapist.  Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term for a specific issue, or extensive to deal with more complex patterns.  Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with your therapist (usually weekly), to maximize results.  You and your therapist can come up with a schedule that suits your lifestyle.

What can I expect from my therapist?

Your therapist provides reliable emotional support, a fresh perspective as an unbiased party, and guidance in finding a solution to a difficult problem.  Your therapist will encourage you yet challenge you to be a healthier version of yourself.  To learn more about working with Licia, click on About Me.

What will be expected of me?

It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process.  Honesty and consistent attendance are crucial.  The ultimate purpose of therapy is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life.  Therefore, beyond the work you do in therapy sessions, your therapist may suggest some things you can do outside of therapy to support your process - such as reading a pertinent book or article, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors, or taking action on your goals. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, open to new perspectives, and take responsibility for their lives.  

I have unresolved trauma.  Can you help me?

Yes.  Balance Counseling specializes in treating individuals with trauma histories and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  Emotional, physical, sexual, and combat-related trauma are a few of the most common forms of unresolved material addressed during the trauma resolution process.  Traumatic events activate a physiological reaction known as our Fight, Flight, or Freeze Response for the purpose of survival.  However, we can often become stuck in that mode even when the threat to our safety no longer exists, which can ultimately result in impaired functioning.  We may also experience feeling out of control due to triggers in the aftermath of trauma.  Through a trusting therapeutic alliance with your therapist in a safe and peaceful environment, you can develop the tools to work through events that have held you back and take definitive steps toward a happier, healthier you.

What is Expressive Arts Therapy?

Expressive Arts Therapy is a complementary multi-modal approach that integrates traditional talk therapy with alternative forms of treatment for complete self-expression.  This innovative, evidence-based practice involves incorporating creative techniques such as art, music, writing, meditation, yoga, and movement into therapy sessions to enhance the counseling experience and achieve desired results.  You and your therapist can determine the right combination of expressive arts therapies to blend into your treatment for a well-balanced experience.

What about medication vs. psychotherapy?   

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, therapy 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 wellbeing with an integrative approach to wellness.  Working with your medical doctor you can determine what is best for you, and in some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action.

Do you take insurance, and how does that work?

To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is call them.  Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers.  Some helpful questions you can ask them:

  • What are my mental health benefits?
  • What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
  • How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
  • How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
  • Is approval required from my primary care physician? 

Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential?

The law protects the relationship between a client and a therapist.  Information cannot be disclosed without written permission. State law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:

  • Suspected abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.     
  • If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.

If you have any concerns that have not been addressed in this section, please email [email protected].

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