Is counseling right for me?

Seeking out counseling is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to chemical dependency counseling. Sometimes it is to deal with the long-standing psychological damage caused by years of substance abuse. Other times people come in to deal with symptoms of addiction, such as problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of a counselor as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Others enter into counseling at the suggestion of loved ones or a concerned employer. Some individuals enter the counseling relationship as a result of legal problems secondary to their substance abuse issue. There is no “preferred” situation for entering treatment. All are welcome to the process. Working with a counselor can help provide insight, support, and new coping strategies for all types of early recovery life challenges. Counseling can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues and general life transitions. Counseling is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking the personal responsibility for change, for creating greater self-awareness, and working towards the restoration of core values in their lives.

Do I really need counseling? 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, counseling 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're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking counseling. Counseling provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face. You will never lose the ability to make your own choices. Good counseling offers a strong alliance with other experienced, compassionate and skilled individuals who are experts at implementing and assisting lasting change in others. Your counselor is on your side of this winning alliance.

How can counseling help me?

A number of benefits are available from participating in counseling. Counselors at Allied Counseling Associates provide support, education, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for chemical dependency related issues such as depression, shame, anxiety and relationship troubles. Other crucial issues are also addressed in the context of early addiction recovery such as unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, shame reduction, values clarification and the coming to terms with self defeating defenses and warped internalized concepts and beliefs. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to assist in managing early recovery issues such as spiritual growth and renewal, developing improved interpersonal relationships with more effective boundaries, family concerns, and the hassles of daily life. Many clients may have dual disorders and will be referred to an appropriate area therapist or physician as their own individualized needs demand. Allied therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from counseling depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from chemical dependency counseling include:

Attaining a better understanding of yourself through a clarification of your goals and core values
Developing skills for improving your relationships at work and at home
Integrating into a new, supportive social community of recovering people
Learning new ways to more effectively cope with stress and anxiety
Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures without seeking to use mood altering substances
Developing and implementing a comprehensive relapse prevention plan
Improving communications and listening skills without over reacting - restoring rational intellectual decision making instead of returning to ingrained toxic emotional responses
Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones s
Developing an exercise and diet plan that enhances your chances for lasting recovery
Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

What is individual counseling like?

Every counseling session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during counseling sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. Counseling 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 counseling sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For counseling to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psycho counseling 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 counseling:

Compassion, respect and understanding
Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
Real strategies for enacting positive change
Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance

What is the policy of Allied Counseling Associates in regard to medication?

In some cases a combination of medication and counseling is the right course of action. However, the use of benzodiazepines opiates, all schedule I drugs and, of course, all illegal drugs are prohibited. 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, counseling 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.

Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?

To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:

What are my mental health benefits?
What is the coverage amount per counseling session?
How many counseling sessions does my plan cover?
How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
Is approval required from my primary care physician?

Is counseling confidential?

In general, 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 themselves or another person. The therapist is required to notify appropriate authorities immediately.