Question 1

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT IN THE FIRST APPOINTMENT

Accepted Answer

When you make that first phone contact we will schedule an initial appointment for you. Usually the initial appointment is mostly an information gathering appointment rather than a therapy session and lasts about 50 minutes to 1 hour. For any following appointments we will find time that is mutually available and in most cases we will meet on a weekly basis. If you need to reschedule kindly give 24 hour notice to allow another client to use this time slot.At the first appointment you will need about 5-10 minutes to complete some of the required forms. We may give you an additional questionnaire packet to take and complete at home. These forms are important because they provide information to your therapist so that the focus of the appointment will clarify your concerns, needs and goals for therapy. In this initial session the therapist will ask many questions in order to gather the information to determine how best to help you. Based on your forms and our discussions we will determine the treatment options best suited for your situation. If you decide to continue we will work together for several weeks. In most cases 6-8 weeks is enough time for progress to be made. It is not uncommon that to continue to work on deeper issues and stay in treatment for a longer time. You are not obligated to continue therapy with us and we will be happy to make a referral or direct you to appropriate resources in our community if you wish. If you have additional questions for your first appointment please don’t hesitate to call our office at 509-396-3488.

Question 2

WHAT ISSUES WILL BE DISCUSSED

Accepted Answer

Whatever you are struggling with. This can include: Life Transitions such as: having a baby, separation, loss, relocation, retirement  Relationship issues  Self Esteem issues  Work Performance, Career concerns  Problems with Anger  Persistent Worry, Anxiety, Anxiety Attacks, Panic, Phobia  Struggle with Obsessions, Compulsions, Addictions  Identity Confusion, Sexual Identity, Sexuality  Body Image issues, Dieting, Overweight issues  Eating Disorders Post traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Chronic Illness or Medical Illness fuelling psychological issues  Depression, Apathy, Sadness, Loss of meaning in life  Restless nights, problems with falling asleep, and staying asleep

Question 3

WHO SEEKS THERAPY

Accepted Answer

Psychotherapy is for anyone who realizes that their life could be better but they are not sure how to get there. If you have some of the following thoughts, you may benefit from psychotherapy:  Stress is getting the best of me, and I worry all the time. Sometimes I feel completely out of control. My emotional reactions are really intense. I worry that if others really knew how I think and feel it would ruin my personal and professional relationships.  I have a constant feeling that I am not doing anything right. My mind seems scattered, and I am unable to stay focused. It has started to affect my life and I can’t even sleep well anymore. Since a particular event, I feel tied up in knots inside and exhausted. I am constantly worried about my weight. I am either on diet or I should be on diet. I have so much to do but I procrastinate. I can’t get over what happened, I don’t even know who I am anymore. I constantly worry about what others think of me, and I try so hard to please others that I have lost myself. Life doesn’t seem exciting anymore and I worry that I will never be happy ever again. If any of these apply to you please do not hesitate to give us a call and discuss some options for psychotherapy.

Question 4

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST ME

Accepted Answer

Health insurance companies understand the benefits of mental health treatment. If you call your health insurance you may want to find out about your mental health benefits. In most cases they cover some or all of the expense. We are in network with most heath insurance networks and EAP programs.

Question 5

HOW CONFIDENTIAL IS OUR DISCUSSION

Accepted Answer

Therapy is confidential. All information you share, whether it is information in our records about you or even the fact that you have come to see us, cannot be shared with others. No one outside our office will have access to your records without your prior written permission. However, as is required by law in the State of WA information may be appropriately shared when the following conditions exist:  If you present an imminent threat of harm to yourself or others, or  When there is an indication of abuse of a child, dependent adult, or elderly adult, if you become gravely disabled, or  If information is required by a court subpoena or court order These are rare exceptions but feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Aphrodite Beidler, PsyD

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