Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling:
Why should I seek mental therapy?
Everyone, at some point, will experience a time of hardship, struggle, pain, grief, repression, obsession, family or relationship issues, a crisis, fears, or any issue that bothers someone enough to worry or feel anxious. Perhaps you don't know where to turn, or can't talk to your friends or family without being judged. Maybe you just need the ear and the advice of an outside source, someone whose only goal is to help you with whatever you are experiencing.
When you are experiencing these types of stresses and anxieties, you may benefit from the assistance of an experienced, trained professional.
Does therapy really work?
If you are completely open and honest with yourself and your therapist, we can work in tandem to create a better situation, or a better life overall. We will use a variety of methods to get you headed in the right direction. As with anything in life, if you start out expecting it NOT to help, it won't. Your attitude should be one of acceptance, willingness to share, and excitement over solving your problems and improving your lifestyle.
What makes New Horizons Life Therapy different from other counseling centers?
There are problems today that families, as recently as 20 years ago didn’t have to deal with, or at least did so very minimally; issues such as Internet relationships and Internet Addiction, LGBT couples and the adjustment issues their families face, severe divorce rates (many caused by "new" 21st-century issues the couple must face their parents have no clue about), prescription drug abuse, etc.
At New Horizons we have modified our practices and interventions in recognition of the fact that the world we live in today is very different from the world of generations past. However, we acknowledge that issues from generations past continue to affect our lives presently and we must address those issues as needed.
Traditional counselors used to be quite taboo, and no one liked admitted having to go "see a shrink." Today, seeking mental health therapy and placing importance on mental health wellness, is not at all uncommon. People are more readily admitting that they talk to someone, that they've worked out issues in their personal lives or their marriages through the help of a therapist. We offer not only this core understanding of changing times and differences between the generations, but we offer metaphysical, holistic, and other modalities that encompass the growing change in the therapy market. We are here to tell you that you can be anything you desire, and we will teach you what you need to know to make that happen.
How long does counseling last?
Most clients are able to "get off their training wheels and ride off on their own" within 3-6 months of weekly, then bi-weekly therapy sessions. It depends on the depth of their issues we're working through, their dedication to "homework" and being coached by their therapist, and their availability.
Is everything I say confidential?
Confidentiality is an essential part of therapy, and the patient has the right to control access to information about his or her treatment.
Your file is secured and only seen by Dr. Lindsey Santellan. No recordings are made in my office. Any statement by you that I wish to release will have to be signed over by you with your full cooperation and permission.
I am morally obligated to keep what is said between us solely. I am also legally required to do so, but that is not my motivation. ;)
What will happen occur during a counseling session?
We will encourage you to tell us, in great detail, what is bothering you or what you envision your life to be. We will ask clarifying questions to guide and advise you best. We may give you some "homework" - a project to work on during the week between visits, or something to try for that time so we may discuss its success next session. You are welcome to scream, laugh, cry, cuss, and relax. I have Kleenexes, always, and paper for inspirational moments. You can sit with our Pug; he's a great therapy dog. Coffee or tea, a fireplace, and plenty of pillows and throws are all available for your comfort. Within the confines of our home office, you can feel free to be YOU. We won't judge!
Everyone, at some point, will experience a time of hardship, struggle, pain, grief, repression, obsession, family or relationship issues, a crisis, fears, or any issue that bothers someone enough to worry or feel anxious. Perhaps you don't know where to turn, or can't talk to your friends or family without being judged. Maybe you just need the ear and the advice of an outside source, someone whose only goal is to help you with whatever you are experiencing.
When you are experiencing these types of stresses and anxieties, you may benefit from the assistance of an experienced, trained professional.
Does therapy really work?
If you are completely open and honest with yourself and your therapist, we can work in tandem to create a better situation, or a better life overall. We will use a variety of methods to get you headed in the right direction. As with anything in life, if you start out expecting it NOT to help, it won't. Your attitude should be one of acceptance, willingness to share, and excitement over solving your problems and improving your lifestyle.
What makes New Horizons Life Therapy different from other counseling centers?
There are problems today that families, as recently as 20 years ago didn’t have to deal with, or at least did so very minimally; issues such as Internet relationships and Internet Addiction, LGBT couples and the adjustment issues their families face, severe divorce rates (many caused by "new" 21st-century issues the couple must face their parents have no clue about), prescription drug abuse, etc.
At New Horizons we have modified our practices and interventions in recognition of the fact that the world we live in today is very different from the world of generations past. However, we acknowledge that issues from generations past continue to affect our lives presently and we must address those issues as needed.
Traditional counselors used to be quite taboo, and no one liked admitted having to go "see a shrink." Today, seeking mental health therapy and placing importance on mental health wellness, is not at all uncommon. People are more readily admitting that they talk to someone, that they've worked out issues in their personal lives or their marriages through the help of a therapist. We offer not only this core understanding of changing times and differences between the generations, but we offer metaphysical, holistic, and other modalities that encompass the growing change in the therapy market. We are here to tell you that you can be anything you desire, and we will teach you what you need to know to make that happen.
How long does counseling last?
Most clients are able to "get off their training wheels and ride off on their own" within 3-6 months of weekly, then bi-weekly therapy sessions. It depends on the depth of their issues we're working through, their dedication to "homework" and being coached by their therapist, and their availability.
Is everything I say confidential?
Confidentiality is an essential part of therapy, and the patient has the right to control access to information about his or her treatment.
Your file is secured and only seen by Dr. Lindsey Santellan. No recordings are made in my office. Any statement by you that I wish to release will have to be signed over by you with your full cooperation and permission.
I am morally obligated to keep what is said between us solely. I am also legally required to do so, but that is not my motivation. ;)
What will happen occur during a counseling session?
We will encourage you to tell us, in great detail, what is bothering you or what you envision your life to be. We will ask clarifying questions to guide and advise you best. We may give you some "homework" - a project to work on during the week between visits, or something to try for that time so we may discuss its success next session. You are welcome to scream, laugh, cry, cuss, and relax. I have Kleenexes, always, and paper for inspirational moments. You can sit with our Pug; he's a great therapy dog. Coffee or tea, a fireplace, and plenty of pillows and throws are all available for your comfort. Within the confines of our home office, you can feel free to be YOU. We won't judge!
