Counseling Fundamentals icon
Counseling Fundamentals

The "Fundamentals" of Counseling are basic skills, knowledge, and concepts that successful counseling is built upon.
The "Fundamentals" of Counseling are basic skills, knowledge, and concepts that successful counseling is built upon.
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Questions and Answers

How would I know if I have the right therapist?

Rachel Tramonte
Rachel Tramonte
Therapy for adults, couples, and teens

You should feel generally comfortable with your therapist. Your therapist should be able to challenge you when necessary, and be able to provide support at other times. I don't know if you can really "train" your therapist to give you what you need from treatment. Definitely let your therapist... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.
Cristina Treadway
Cristina Treadway
Insight Life Counseling

Your comfort with a therapist is one of the most essential aspects of a quality therapeutic relationship. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the therapist’s approach and background. Do you feel heard and understood? Do you find the feedback helpful and directed toward achieving your goals... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.
Jennifer Molinari
Jennifer Molinari
Hypnotherapist & Licensed Counselor

Finding the right therapist for you is very important and can sometimes be tricky. It can sometimes take a number of sessions to get a good sense of whether you and your therapist are the "right fit." The first couple of sessions are generally spent on gathering information, formulating a plan of... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide.   If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

Do I have too many issues for counseling?

Michelle Barnhart
Michelle Barnhart
Phoenix Rising Counseling

No, there are never too many issues to address in counseling.  Therapy would begin by prioritizing what you feel needs to be addressed first.  As one area improves, such as processing history of abuse you are likely to see improvement in other areas of your life...like sleeping better. 

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.
Ivy Gross
Ivy Gross
Helping Individuals Heal and Grow

Firstly, I would like to say how amazing that you have been able to live through breast cancer, sexual abuse as well as your depression and anxiety. You are stronger than you may believe at this moment for being able to continue to grow and live through these experiences. Take a moment to... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide.   If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.
Noorayne Chevalier
Noorayne Chevalier
MA, RP, CCC, CCAC, LLP (Michigan)

Let me start by saying there are never too many concerns that you can bring into counselling. In fact, most people who come to see me for counselling have more than one issue they would like to work on in psychotherapy and most times these are all interconnected. In counselling, we work together... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.
Tanya Hernandez
Tanya Hernandez
Helping you to overcome overwhelm and jump back into life!

Absolutely not! It is never too much. The most important thing is that you are reaching out to get help. Therapy helps you to develop healthier coping strategies and that can help reduce the anxiety and depression as well as improve your sleep. This can all be done at a pace that is best for you... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide. If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

How does counseling help people?

Jennifer Gerlach
Jennifer Gerlach
Your Story Matters

You are asking a room full of counselors, and so I am going to guess that we may be a bit biased :). My answer is this: sometimes. Many people benefit from counseling and when counseling works those benefits can show up through positive improvements in your moods, making more choices that align with... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide.   If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.
Shannon Gonter
Shannon Gonter
Be who you are, not who the world has told you to be.

Counseling is a collaborative process which involves the development of a confidential, unique, therapeutic, helping relationship. This relationship is unlike any other as the counselor will act as a facilitator in helping you better understand yourself, the world around you, your feelings, and your... more

The information above is intended as general information...  (more)The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information, and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide.   If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

Is it normal to cry at therapy?

Jennifer Molinari
Jennifer Molinari
Hypnotherapist & Licensed Counselor
Hi! Yes, it is completely normal to cry during your therapy...  (more)Hi! Yes, it is completely normal to cry during your therapy sessions. During therapy sessions, you are talking about deep emotional issues that are often painful or issues that simply hold a lot of meaning/passion for you. When talking about these issues as a therapist I would be more curious if a client didn't cry during their sessions. This could indicate that the sessions are not going deep enough, or that a client is holding back or perhaps is not in touch with their feelings. Crying during your therapy sessions can be a good indication that you are addressing the important issues at hand and that you are on a path to healing. Also, many times clients report they feel better after crying during their session. It can be a good emotional release. The information above is intended as general information based on minimal information and does not constitute health care advice. This information does not constitute communication with a counselor/therapist nor does it create a therapist-client relationship nor any of the privileges that relationship may provide.   If you are currently feeling suicidal or are in crisis, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency room.

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