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How do I know if I need counseling?

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Life can present us a series of challenges and at times it can feel overwhelming.  Therapy can help provide a place for you to discuss your concerns, develop more self-awareness and learn new skills to better manage the stresses in your life. It can also be a support as you deal with anxiety, grief, family crises, depression, self-esteem issues as well as other perplexing concerns.  It can be helpful to take the time to talking to a counselor when you feel you have been feeling more down than usual, an increase in anxiety, you feel overwhelmed, and you feel out of balance.

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What are the benefits of counseling?

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The benefits of counseling can be recognized when you are willing to put in the work necessary and apply skills you learn.  Benefits include:

• A feeling of more control over one’s life and better life balance

• An increase in feelings of happiness

• Overall satisfaction in one’s relationships

• Increased personal awareness

• Improvement of techniques to cope with stress and

• More clarity and understanding of yourself, your goals/intentions & your values

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 How long does therapy take?

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Typically sessions last about 55 min and your initial session will be one hour. Some problems or concerns can be addressed in as few as 6-10 sessions, however the time needed is strongly based on the individual’s needs, and willingness to change.  I require clients to come weekly for at least 3 weeks and then clients can come biweekly.  Depending on the severity of the issues, some clients come to therapy just once a month for less serious concerns or for maintenance. 

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What is a Holistic Therapist and how will the session be different from traditional therapy ?

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  Chris McDonald is a Holistic Therapist. As a Holistic Therapist, she treats the whole person, mind, body & spirit.  Depending on your needs and what you want from therapy she may offer cognitive strategies to help you overcome negative or unhelpful thinking.  She may assign exercise if you aren't currently engaged in an exercise routine. She is also available to talk about spiritual concerns if you are open to it.  Some people benefit greatly from creating some kind of spiritual practice which could be simply being in nature or engaging in daily meditation. Its going to differ for each individual based on your personal beliefs.

 

During session she may do some mindful movements, breathing exercises or yoga asanas (postures) during sessions to help you better regulate your nervous system and emotions. She can guide you through some meditation and help you find ways to develop a daily meditation practice.

 

She also uses essential oils in a diffuser in her office and will offer clients to use some during sessions if they are open to it.

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What can I expect and what should I bring to my initial appointment?

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You will receive a link to the patient portal before your first appointment. Please complete before at least 24 hours before your session so your Therapist and review your answers.  Your initial session will last up to 60 minutes. During this session your therapist will ask questions about your concerns and what you hope to gain from counseling.  You will be asked questions about your background as well as symptoms and issues you are having.  This is also the time for the Therapist and Client to get to know each other and determine if you are a good fit with the Therapist.