Your first therapy session at Forward Moving Counseling Services will be focused on getting to know you and understanding what you want to achieve through therapy. Your therapist will help you identify the issues you'd like to address and set goals for your treatment.

There's no need to prepare anything for your first session other than completing our intake forms. You can simply come in and be yourself. If you're ready to discuss your concerns, your therapist will ask questions to ensure they fully understand your situation and experiences. This initial session will also involve completing intake paperwork, gathering some background information, and building a rapport with your therapist.

We have experience working with individuals from all walks of life, and we're committed to creating a safe and comfortable environment where you can feel at ease under our care.

Therapy has been shown to be as effective as medication in relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, therapy is helpful in:
 - Developing psychological awareness and insight
 - Improving communication skills
 - Resolving internal and interpersonal conflicts
 - Managing emotional distress
 - Enhancing social, relational, or vocational functioning
 - Facilitating personal growth and development
 - Supporting recovery from trauma and abuse

People seek psychotherapy for a wide array of reasons. These can include mental health concerns like anxiety and depression, relationship issues such as difficulty forming or maintaining healthy bonds, and struggles with self-expression, trust, anger management, and conflict resolution. Some individuals may seek therapy to address the lingering effects of adverse childhood experiences, various stress and trauma experiences, and even managing symptomatology around psychosis. Others may hope to develop healthier coping mechanisms, enhance their capacity for intimacy, or experience greater joy and contentment.

Specific events like separation, divorce, turbulent disagreements, marriage, or parenthood can also trigger the decision to seek counseling. In other cases, a persistent feeling of disconnection and confusion may lead individuals to seek help. While the reasons for seeking therapy are diverse, most people share a common goal: to experience a more fulfilling life.

The first intake session for individual therapy can be up to 75 minutes long, a couples therapy intake session can be up to 90 minutes long, while all following individual sessions are 50 minutes. Couples sessions typically last 55-60 minutes. Sessions are usually scheduled weekly or every other week, but your therapist may recommend more frequent sessions depending on your specific goals and needs.

The law protects the therapist-client relationship, and information can only be disclosed with written consent. The only exceptions are suspected child abuse/neglect and threats of serious harm to self or others. In these cases, the law requires every effort to ensure the safety of those affected.

Appointments must be cancelled or rescheduled 24 hours in advance. If you miss an appointment without giving 24 hours' notice, you will be charged a late cancellation fee. If you do not show up for your appointment, you will be charged the full session cost.

To schedule an appointment, please contact our office by phone at (225) 508-3253, Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 5pm. You may also send a message using the Contact tab on our website or by email at admin@forwardmovingcounseling.com, and we will respond to arrange a suitable time.

We accept cash and credit card payments. Please note that a 3% processing fee will be applied to all credit card transactions. Payment is due at the time of service.

The duration of your therapy depends on several factors, including the frequency and consistency of your attendance, your motivation for change, the nature of your concerns, and your therapeutic goals. Typically, recent situational stressors or problems require fewer sessions than long-standing issues or situations involving trauma or abuse.

Therapy offers a long-term solution to mental and emotional distress by addressing the root causes and associated behavior patterns, rather than just treating the symptoms. However, medication can be a valuable support, especially when dealing with persistent or debilitating symptoms, and can enhance the effectiveness of therapy. I can assist you in connecting with a psychiatrist for a consultation, whether through a referral from me or by helping you navigate other avenues.

We accept the following insurance plans:
 - Blue Cross & Blue Shield
 - Aetna