New Clients

Many people do not consider counseling unless they are experiencing a crisis. Certainly these are times when counseling is appropriate. However, it is always helpful to come to a therapist before a problem rises to a crisis level so the crisis can be prevented. If you are concerned about your marriage or relationship, your family, or yourself enough to be considering outside help, you would likely benefit from counseling. Counselors are also helpful for people who aren't experiencing severe problems but simply want a partner to help with personal development goals.

Angela provides counseling in a relaxed atmosphere. The first session is focused primarily on getting to know one another and briefly reviewing initial paperwork. There is usually time to begin discussing why you decided to come to counseling.

Angela enjoys getting to know her clients well and laughing together, but also values focusing on goals and making each session productive. The first 2–4 sessions are generally spent getting to know one another, understanding the problems thoroughly, and clarifying goals. Angela will then make recommendations; sometimes this means a referral to another provider, but often you get right to work on your goals. A counselor's job is not to give advice but to help you find a solution that works for you. Homework, such as practicing new skills, is often given and discussed the following session.

Sessions usually start weekly, since counseling held less often is generally not as effective. After significant progress toward goals, sessions often reduce to every other week or once a month while you work on maintaining progress.

It depends on the severity of the problem and the goals you choose. Sessions typically continue until progress is made on your goals. You and Angela will continually evaluate whether treatment is effective and adjust or refer if needed.