- I’m scared about coming to therapy. What can you do to make it easier for me?
- What about your office? Is it COLD like my dentist’s office?
- What is the first session like?
- How often do you meet with people?
- How long does therapy go?
- What about privacy?
- What about confidentiality?
- Questions about scheduling an appointment
I’m scared about coming to therapy. What can you do to make it easier for me?
An ancient proverb says that a wise person seeks advice. Sometimes the advice of a family member or friend can be very helpful. Other times an unbiased opinion is what is needed in order to get a perspective. We don’t know you. We go home to our own families at night. We’ve been down this road with hundreds of others. We know the terrain. We can point our obstacles. We can assit in brainstorming possible solutions with you. We can help you think through options and harness your strengths. We see ourselves more like coaches or mentors, than therapists. We aren’t there to put you down or uncover your deepest secrets. We’re there to help you face the obstacles before you with dignity and grace. This can be a very enriching experience.
What about your office? Is it COLD like my dentist’s office?
We’ve tried to make our offices (Ames and Urbandale) warm and comfortable like home. The Ames office is decorated in mission furniture with a leather couch for clients. The Urbandale office is like a cozy family room, with couch, armoire and leather recliner.
What is the first session like?
The first time we meet is a get-acquainted session for us to find out the issues you are facing. This involves filling out a background questionnaire. If you are coming with your partner we have you fill out marital questionnaires that help us know the kinds the things going on in your relationship. We then talk with you and have you explain your situation. We may ask a few questions along the way to help us understand. Toward the end of the first session we’ll make a few recommendations and together we decide what is the next step.
How often do you meet with people?
In most cases we like to see people one hour per week so we feel like we are making progress. In some extenuating circumstances, like affairs, domestic abuse, addictive behaviors, separation or pending divorce we may recommend meeting more often.
How long does therapy go?
Our goal is to help people learn how to resolve their own difficulties. Most of our clients come between 6 and 12 sessions. Often they are off and running by that time. We have a number of couples who, even after they are done with therapy, come once a month for awhile for accountability purposes. Knowing they will see us at the end of the month helps them stay motivated to continue to work on their marriages. More complex issues like sexual abuse and affairs or separation may take more sessions depending upon the complexity of the issues.
What about privacy?
At the Ames office, there is private, off-street parking and clients can come in the side door. In Urbandale, the office is located in a strip mall in a well-lighted public area. There are two waiting areas in the office complex so even clients coming and going do not see each other.
What about confidentiality?
What you say in therapy, or even that you are in therapy, is held in strict confidence unless you sign a release (for example to talk to your doctor or pastor). There are also a few times that confidentiality must be broken by law if certain types of crimes are or are about to happen. A recent federal law called HIPAA (Health Insurance Portablitity and Accountability Act) stipulates specific guidelines for medical and mental health institutions regarding the private information of patients and clients. Our offices are HIPAA compliant. If you would like a copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices, please email us at inquiry@thrivingcouples.com or write our office at Heart to Heart Communication, L.C., Attention: Privacy Officer, PO Box 224, Ames, Iowa 50010 (for both Urbandale of the Ames offices). During our first meeting with clients we explain our privacy policy and make copies of our policy available.
QUESTIONS ABOUT SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT
What are your hours?
We see people during the work week (Monday thru Friday) and Monday thru Thursday evenings at both our Ames and Des Moines (Urbandale) offices.
How do I make an appointment?
Call (Des Moines: 515-274-4242; Ames: 515-233-8473; Toll Free: 1-888-233-4334) or email us and we will set up a time that works for you and us.
How long does it take before you can fit us in?
Usually within a few days.