As LifeSpring’s virtual assistant, I’m the first person you’ll speak to and, hopefully, schedule an appointment with when giving our office a call! With that being said, I also encounter a lot of curious clients who have questions regarding the counseling process, what to expect, and what their next steps will be. 

For many, seeking counseling is a huge step, yet a life-changing one. It’s completely normal to be nervous, unsure, or fearful at what this process will be like for you. When talking with me, I aim to be a helping hand as I get you connected and scheduled with a therapist that's right for you. 

For many therapists, telehealth has historically not been a modality of interest. After all, many therapists love meeting with their clients in person, and there was concern about whether or not the same connection and observations could be made while on a screen. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, has forced most everyone to consider the potential benefits of online counseling services.  While therapists and clients alike may have been nervous about using new technologies, the personal accounts below show that there have been some pleasant surprises along the way.  

If you’re receiving counseling services, then you have 45-60 minutes each week to work with your therapist.  If you want to maximize your time, energy, and resources, here are some steps you can take to get the most out of your appointment.

If you haven’t been feeling great, but aren’t sure when it’s time to seek counseling, we hope this article will clarify that question. Firstly, counseling is for everyone, and if you’re questioning if counseling might be beneficial for you, then that’s probably your first indicator that it’s worth looking into.  Before you continue reading, please remember that seeking counseling is a sign of strength and insight. It’s a sign that you care about yourself and want to make sure that you feel better. 

At LifeSpring, the majority of people who contact us about counseling services are looking to use their health insurance.  While some people are familiar with their mental health benefits when they call us, we have found that most are not.  For this reason, we’re providing a step-by-step guide to learning about your personal health plan’s mental health benefits.  

If you are going to look for a therapist, you are naturally going to want to find someone who is a good fit for you.  What you may not realize is that this is actually REALLY important.  Studies show that having a good working relationship with your therapist is one of the most important predictors of success in therapy.  In fact, having a positive therapeutic relationship with your mental health provider has been shown to be even more important than the treatment modality that your provider uses. And, this makes sense. If you don’t feel understood, respected, or cared for, it will be difficult for you to trust your provider and to share with them. 

If you have never had to look for a mental health provider before, you may be at a loss for how to get started. In this short and sweet article, we’ll give you some super easy options for finding a therapist. After all, we want you to be able to access counseling services as quickly and seamlessly as possible. 

Brainspotting is definitely not talk therapy as usual.  For this reason, people are often unsure of what to expect.  I find that it’s helpful to be as clear as possible about what to expect during a Brainspotting session.  For many, knowing what to expect can alleviate any nervousness or uncertainty.  At the same time, it’s important to know that the content that arises in each Brainspotting session will be unique.  

Prior to starting telehealth, you and your provider will review and sign a Telemental Health Informed Consent document.  This document will cover important information about: the risks and benefits of telehealth, confidentiality and its limits, payment of services, the platform you will be using, steps to follow before and during your telehealth session, etc.. This way, you’ll know what to expect, and you’ll be prepared to make the most out of your session.