Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling
Questions Are Welcome Here
Starting counseling can come with a lot of questions.
You may be wondering how therapy works, whether Laurel Tree is the right fit, what your first appointment will be like, or how to choose a therapist.
Below, we’ve answered some of the questions we hear most often.
If you don’t see your question here, please reach out. We’re happy to help.
Getting Started
How do I get started?
The easiest way to begin is to contact us and schedule a consultation.
During the consultation, we’ll learn what you’re looking for, answer your questions, and determine whether Laurel Tree Counseling may be a good fit for you.
If you’re unsure which therapist would be the best match, that’s okay. We can help you determine where to start.
Do I need to know which therapist I want to see?
No.
Our team has different areas of experience and specialties, and we can help you identify a clinician whose approach and experience may align with your needs.
The most important thing is to start the conversation.
Do I need a diagnosis to start therapy?
No.
You don’t need a formal diagnosis to benefit from counseling.
People seek therapy for many reasons, including stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, self-esteem, grief, anxiety, depression, chronic health concerns, body image, eating concerns, and personal growth.
Sometimes you simply know that something isn’t feeling right.
That’s enough reason to reach out.
What happens during the first session?
Your first session is primarily an opportunity to get to know one another and begin understanding what brings you to counseling.
Your therapist may ask about your current concerns, history, relationships, goals, and other areas that may be relevant to your well-being.
You may also begin identifying goals for therapy.
You don’t need to prepare a perfect explanation of your life.
We’ll start where you are.
What if I don’t know what to talk about?
That’s completely normal.
You don’t need to arrive with a list of topics or know exactly what you need from therapy.
Your therapist can help guide the conversation and identify areas that may be helpful to explore.
Our Approach
What does “holistic counseling” mean?
For us, holistic counseling means looking at the whole person rather than focusing only on a symptom or diagnosis.
Mental and emotional health can be connected to physical health, relationships, behaviors, stress, lifestyle, and life experiences.
We consider those connections while using evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to your individual needs.
Holistic doesn’t mean one-size-fits-all.
It means your care considers the bigger picture.
What types of therapy do you use?
Our clinicians draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches depending on the client’s needs and goals.
These may include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Motivational Interviewing
- Person-Centered Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Mindfulness
- Somatic approaches
- Other evidence-based and individualized therapeutic strategies
Your therapist will work with you to determine what approaches are most appropriate for your situation.
Is therapy only for people who are struggling with a mental health condition?
No.
Therapy can be helpful for people experiencing significant mental health concerns, but it can also provide support during periods of transition, stress, uncertainty, grief, relationship changes, personal growth, or self-discovery.
You don’t have to be in crisis to seek support.
Areas We Support
What concerns do you work with?
We work with adults experiencing a variety of emotional, behavioral, relational, and life challenges.
These may include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma and difficult life experiences
- Eating and body-image concerns
- Emotional eating
- Bariatric surgery and weight-loss support
- Chronic health challenges
- Grief and loss
- Relationship concerns
- Self-esteem
- Stress and burnout
- Life transitions
- Personal growth
If you don’t see your particular concern listed, please contact us. We can discuss your needs and determine whether our practice may be a good fit.
Do you provide bariatric counseling?
Yes.
Bariatric and weight-loss support is an important area of our practice.
We work with individuals before and after bariatric surgery and support the emotional and psychological aspects of the journey, including changes in identity, body image, relationships, eating behaviors, coping strategies, expectations, and adjustment.
Do you work with people living with chronic health conditions?
Yes.
We support adults navigating the emotional and psychological impact of chronic or significant health challenges.
Counseling may focus on adjustment, anxiety, grief, stress, identity, relationships, coping, self-compassion, and other emotional challenges that can accompany ongoing health concerns.
Counseling does not replace medical treatment, but it can provide meaningful support alongside your medical care.
Appointments
Do you offer virtual counseling?
Yes.
Laurel Tree Counseling provides virtual counseling, so you can meet with your therapist remotely from a private, comfortable location.
Before beginning telehealth services, we’ll provide information about what you need to participate.
How long are therapy sessions?
Individual counseling sessions are typically [XX minutes].
[Add information here regarding extended sessions, if offered.]
How often will I need therapy?
There isn’t a single schedule that works for everyone.
Many clients begin with weekly sessions, while others may attend every other week depending on their needs and treatment goals.
Your therapist will work with you to determine an appropriate schedule.
Your frequency may also change as your needs change.
How long will I be in therapy?
There’s no universal answer.
Some people seek counseling for a specific issue or life transition and may work toward relatively short-term goals.
Others benefit from longer-term therapy as they work through more complex or ongoing concerns.
Your therapist will regularly check in with you about your goals and progress.
Fees & Insurance
How much does counseling cost?
Our current session fee is $[XX] for a [XX]-minute session.
Please visit our Fees & Insurance page for current information about fees, insurance, payment, and cancellation policies.
Do you accept insurance?
[Insert your current insurance information here.]
Insurance benefits vary by plan, so we recommend contacting your insurance provider to confirm your specific mental health benefits before beginning therapy.
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes.
We offer a 15-minute consultation so you can ask questions, tell us what you’re looking for, and determine whether Laurel Tree Counseling may be a good fit.
There is no pressure to begin ongoing therapy.
Privacy & Safety
Is what I discuss in therapy confidential?
Generally, information shared during therapy is kept confidential, subject to the legal and ethical requirements that apply to mental health professionals.
Your therapist will review confidentiality and its limits with you during intake.
If you have questions about confidentiality, please ask your therapist.
What if I’m experiencing a mental health emergency?
Laurel Tree Counseling is not an emergency or crisis service.
If you are experiencing an immediate emergency or believe you may be in danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.