Ask Away
Counseling is something many people wonder about. It’s a concept that, until one BEGINS, seems hard to fully grasp. Counseling or therapy is a formal, purposeful partnership that is based on sound research and uses techniques that are scientifically proven to be effective. People SEEK therapy for various reasons, including difficulty in relationships or communication, a crisis, major life changes, DESIRE for personal growth, etc.
In the first few sessions, I get to know you, your STRENGTHS and stressors, and what you’d like from therapy. Afterward, we collaboratively make a plan to help you get from where you are to where you want to be. I meet with clients once a week for 45 – 53 minutes to build good momentum (and give you the most bang for your buck!). Since no two people are the same, therapy looks different for each person. My goal is to customize the experience according to what you desire and need. I use science-based therapeutic techniques to help you reach your goals.
In order for meaningful change to occur, we must first know WHAT we’re dealing with, so that we can DO something about it. The less we know, the more we go into a reactive “autopilot” mode, which usually generates more issues and leads us deeper into trouble. If you feel like you run into the same problems over and over again, therapy can help you get “unstuck” by:
revealing your reactive patterns of thinking, feeling, doing, and relating (the WHY you do what you do) and
equipping you with new ways of living (the HOW to do things differently).
No significant, lasting change can be attained without intentional effort and practice. Changing lifelong patterns is hard work, but definitely doable – and you won’t be doing it alone! Much like a personal trainer, I am committed to finding which emotional workout methods are well suited to your needs and goals, saving you precious time and energy for what matters most to you.
Different therapists approach the therapeutic relationship in different ways. Some therapists are very active in session, while others take a more passive or non-directive role. So it’s important to ASK yourself whether the therapist’s approach fits you and your needs.
At Middleton Counseling we have several therapists. READ about our counselors on their “about me” page to see if their values, goals, and motivations in life are similar to yours.
At its core, therapy is a RELATIONSHIP. It’s important that the therapist be someone whom you trust, respect, and even like. By necessity, therapy isn’t always easy or enjoyable—it often requires facing UP to painful difficulties and life patterns. So it’s essential that the person companioning you on your therapy journey be someone you respect who you feel truly “gets” you. It’s a professional alliance with the express goal of helping you change your life for the BETTER, so the important thing is for you to find a therapist who fits your needs at this point in your life.
All therapists are legally licensed and trained to treat a wide variety of clients and issues. Most therapists have strong skills in working with issues that are experienced by a large number of people, like depression, anxiety, and stress. But many problems, including trauma, grief, marital conflict, and work-related issues, don’t fall neatly into any of these categories. If in doubt, it’s always appropriate to ask whether they have training and experience in working with clients who have issues similar to your own.
When you first arrive a Middleton Counseling, you will come in and wait in the waiting area until your counselor comes to welcome you to their office. (If the paperwork we sent to you via the link in your email to your personal client portal is incomplete, you may need to complete it first.) The main purpose of the first session is for me to get to know you.
I will be asking some of the following questions:
“What brings you to therapy at THIS time in your life?
What are the most pressing concerns you have?
If you summarize your whole life into a few significant moments, what would they be?
How would you like for your life/relationships to be different?
It depends on how much stress or emotional reactivity you are experiencing. This also depends on whether you are wanting to focus on a single, isolated topic (e.g., the trauma of the death of a loved one) or on several, interconnected topics (e.g., personal boundaries, self-esteem, and relationships). The more resources, safe connections, and self-control you feel you have, the closer you are to completing therapy. It’s important for me to help you get back on your feet as soon as possible. Whatever resources or skills I recommend are with that in mind, all while honoring your own personal journey and ability to decide what works best for you.
Are telephone/teleconferencing sessions available if I am not able to make my appointment in person?
We offer HIPAA-compliant teleconferencing sessions depending on the unique needs of our clients. These sessions will be booked at the same fee as face-to-face sessions. Telehealth can be accessed via computer, tablet, or phone. If you choose to use a smartphone, you’ll need to download an app called “Telehealth by SimplePractice”.
Some people need more clarity and understanding about what they’re going through; in that case, conversations and reading materials/podcasts may be suitable. Others may need the chance for their physical bodies to “clear out” emotional symptoms through Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), which is a specific form of trauma treatment.
Though our therapists are training in trauma treatment, some of our therapists hold a certification in ART and/or EMDR.
The main difference between these is:
EMDR – more structured, easier to measure progress, but can feel more rigid and “heady” or intellectual.
ART – more flexible and spontaneous, is effective for processing experiences without needing to use words.
Click here to access our page with all you need to know about how insurance billing works.
Helping clients get ESA animals is not within our area of experience, however, the following is a service that does ESA letters, they can HELP YOU get what you need. Click here for more information
Middleton counseling has been very helpful and easy to work with. I had a session of the accelerated resolution therapy had have been pleased with the out come. Highly recommend.
I have loved coming to Middleton Counseling. After having a bad experience with my first counselor, coming here was a great relief. They are so kind and friendly and I always feel safe and comfortable talking to them.
A wonderful experience. I enjoy going there.