Frequently Asked Questions
What Can I expect in my first session?
During your first session at Forward Moving Counseling Services, your therapist will meet with you to help you identify issues you want to work on in therapy and identify goals to be accomplished. You may come in ready to talk about the issues at hand in which case your therapist will ask questions to make sure they understand you and what you are going through. This session will cover your intake paperwork, gain some history information about you, and build rapport.
Please feel free to be yourself. No need to prepare for your session other than completing our intake forms. We have experience with people from all walks of life and are prepared to help you feel safe and comfortable in our care.
In what ways is therapy typically found to be helpful?
According to a study conducted through the auspices of Consumer Reports, therapy has been proven to be as effective as medication in helping to relieve the symptoms of depression and anxiety. It has also been shown to be useful in assisting persons to (1) Develop more psychological awareness and insight, (2) Learn to communicate more effectively, (3) Learn to resolve both internal and interpersonal conflicts, (4) Manage, reduce or relieve symptoms of emotional distress, (5) Develop more social, relational or vocational functioning, (6) Pursue personal growth and development and (7) Reconstruct their lives in the aftermath of trauma and abuse.
Why do individuals, couples and families typically seek therapy?
There are many reasons persons seek the support of psychotherapy, ranging from anxiety or depression, to difficulties in creating and sustaining stable and nurturing bonds with others, to fears of expressing themselves authentically or trusting others. Some seek the assistance of psychotherapy to understand anger or conflicts with family members, spouses or other persons with who they are engaged romantically, collegially or as friends or lingering influences from their early lives that affected them adversely. Others seek the help of psychotherapy to develop new ways of responding to circumstances that have been habitually problematic, to develop more capacity for intimacy or to experience more joy and contentment in their lives.
Sometimes a particular experience, such as a separation, divorce or a turbulent disagreement, or a milestone, such as marrying or becoming a parent, may also precipitate a decision to seek counseling; at other times a long-standing and vague sense of feeling lost, confused and disengaged from others. The reasons as are as vast and as varied as people themselves, but most persons share a desire for a more gratifying experience of their lives.
How long is a therapy session and how often will I meet with my therapist
Your intake session can last up to an hour and fifteen minutes all other sessions are 50 minutes each. Session with couples are often 55-60 minutes. Sessions are usually scheduled weekly or bi-weekly but your therapist may suggest more frequently depending on your goals and needs.
What about Confidentiality?
The relationship between therapist and client is protected by law and information cannot be disclosed without written consent. The only exceptions are if and when there is suspected child abuse/neglect or when the client threatens serious harm to self or others, in which case every effort is made to ensure the safety of those affected as required by law.
Cancellation
A notice of 24 hours is required for all cancelled or rescheduled appointments. Missed appointments and late cancellations are charged $50.00 at the discretion of the counselor.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You may schedule an appointment by calling our office Monday-Friday from 9am-6pm. This number is (225) 508-3253. You can also send us a message by clicking on the Contact tab or by email at forwardmovingcs@gmail.com . We will then get in touch with you to schedule an appointment.
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
We accept Cash, Check, or Credit Card. If using a credit card, a processing fee of 3% is applied each session. Payment is due at the time of service.
How long does it take?
The length of therapy is dependent on many factors, including your goals, how frequently and consistently you attend sessions, your level of motivation for change, and the type of concerns or issues you are addressing in therapy. In general, recent situational stresses or problems can be addressed in fewer sessions than longer-standing issues, or situations involving trauma or abuse.
What if I need or want to consider medication as an adjunct to psychotherapy?
It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional distress is not solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of distress and the behavior patterns. However, if you are suffering from persistent or debilitating symptoms medication can be helpful and assist your work in therapy. I can assist you with a referral to a psychiatrist for a consultation or help you in obtaining a referral through other means.
Insurances that are accepted
Blue Cross & Blue Shield Insurance and Aetna is accepted