| The following information is to acquaint you with the therapeutic practice of Seasons Counseling. It will answer many questions you may have concerning what to expect; it may also stimulate other questions. Please feel free to ask questions at any time during your experience, as questions and concerns are important and dealing with them can help you to better understand the therapeutic process. |
| PHILOSOPHY |
| Seasons Counseling is committed to helping people empower themselves. Your therapist is aware that the problems which prompted you to seek therapy can be extremely distressing. Our goal in providing this service is to help alleviate some of this stress and to facilitate peace and inner healing. Therefore, we strive to exhibit sincerity in caring, to be empathetic in understanding your needs, and to assist in planning positive self-growth and mastery. |
| THE THERAPEUTIC PROCESS |
| The goal of therapy is to enable you to clarify and understand your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as you empower yourself to positively cope with the issue(s) which prompted you to seek therapy. This is best done by open and honest communication in an atmosphere of confidentiality and trust. Be aware that it is common to feel a wide range of emotions during therapy. Sometimes the feelings which brought you into therapy can intensify. Other times you may feel as though you have reached a plateau and are "stuck". These are normal stages of therapy and may be valuable signs of progress. Feel free to discuss these feelings and any others which may arise during the process of therapy. As professional therapists, we strive not to invade your privacy. Instead, we invite you to explore, with us, ways to grow and change in a positive manner. |
| LENGTH OF SESSION AND DURATION OF THERAPY |
| Counseling sessions are generally 45-50 minutes in length and are usually held once a week. Situations may arise, however, that necessitate more frequent or lengthy sessions. Your therapist will assess your current life experience and, if appropriate, will suggest alternatives to the standard noted above. To benefit fully from therapy, it is important that you attend sessions regularly. |
| CANCELLATION AND FEES |
| If you are unable to keep a scheduled appointment you are expected to notify your therapist, at the phone number provided, at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. Unforeseen emergencies will sometimes arise but voluntary irregularity, or a failure to cancel within 24 hours, may result in a charge for missed appointments or the termination of services. |
| CONFIDENTIALITY |
| Seasons Counseling is committed to a strict code of ethics that includes maintaining a confidential, professional relationship. For purposes of effectiveness and/or supervisory requirement, your therapist may conference with other mental health professionals regarding your case. Your full name will not be used during case conferencing or supervision, while the nature of your case will be. The greatest care is taken to protect your confidentiality! |
It is also important for you to be aware of the laws which override confidentiality. In the following instances laws mandate that confidentiality must be broken:
- Matters of threatened harm to yourself or others
- Prenatal exposure to potentially harmful controlled substances
- Matters of abuse/neglect of children or vulnerable adults
- Court mandates (e. g. subpoenas, etc.)
Release of information requires you to sign appropriate documents prior to the release of shared information. These authorizations are in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.
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| EMERGENCIES |
Should you have an urgent need to contact your therapist, please specify that you are making an emergency call. Every effort will be made to assist you. In the event you are unable to contact your therapist (or any other staff therapist) in a crisis situation, the following numbers can provide you with assistance:
- Wayne County - (313) 224 7000
- Oakland County - (800) 231 1127
- Macomb County - (810) 573 2200
We intend that your therapeutic experience is an enlightening and rewarding one. We appreciate your confidence in our services and look forward to working with you.
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