Counseling Center Questions

1

Is therapy right for me?

Seeking out therapy is an inpidual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a porce or work transition. Many seek the advice of a counselor as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life, becoming all they were meant to be as a creation in God's image and likeness. You may take greater responsibility for your life, create greater self-awareness and work toward important changes in your life.

Do I really need therapy?  I can usually handle my problems.

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you are in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to  overcome whatever challenges you face. The benefits you gain from psychotherapy will last a lifetime. 

WHAT IS Christian counseling?

Christian Counseling seeks to integrate the Bible and Christian faith into the counseling process. This is done in a variety of ways. Some use the Bible only and quote scripture verses in order to help people to know what they should do. The Bible alone is their source of information. These counselors may have little training and not be licensed or certified as psychotherapists.

Our approach is different, as all of our clinicians have Masters or Doctoral degrees and are licensed or licensed eligible by the state of Florida to practice counseling. Additionally, all of our clinicians have experience in incorporating the spiritual dimension and matters of faith along with the psychological dimension and the behavioral sciences to promote healing and health. Your own faith perspective will be respected and may be drawn on in the therapeutic process.

How can therapy help me?

A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

  • Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
  • Developing skills for improving your relationships
  • Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
  • Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
  • Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
  • Improving communications and listening skills
  • Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
  • Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
  • Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
  • Deepening your spiritual life


What is therapy like?

Every therapy session is unique and is focused on each indivual and their specific needs/goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:

  • To be deeply listened to
  • To express compassion, respect and understanding
  • To explore perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
  • To develop real strategies for enacting positive change
  • To receive effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance
  • To grow spiritually as well as psychologically


Is medication a substitute for therapy?

In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. At the Community Christian Counseling Center we integrate mind, body and spirit in our efforts to promote healing and health. 

Is therapy confidential?

The law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.

However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:

  • Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
  • If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
  • If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the inpidual to ensure their safety. However, if an inpidual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.
  • If a judge orders records to be released.

Please feel free to contact us!

United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, FL

Faith Lutheran Church & School in North Palm Beach, FL

Oceanview United Methodist Church in Juno Beach, FL


Faith United Methodist Church

Faith United Methodist Church

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