Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that beginning therapy can raise many uncertainties. This FAQ is designed to provide clear answers to common questions about Kona Counseling in Arizona.
How Can We Help?
Whether you’re curious about our therapy services, how to schedule an appointment, or what to expect during your first session, we’re here to assist you. If you have additional inquiries not covered here, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Is counseling or therapy right for me?
Everyone goes through challenging times. It takes self-awareness and courage to reach out and seek help when things aren’t going your way. Therapy can provide life long benefits giving you the tools you need to take on and overcome any challenge you may face. Showing up for yourself is admirable and takes courage.
Do I need to take medications?
Depending on the medication and the presenting issue, medications could be helpful or a hinderance. Disclosing all current medications is important to the therapeutic process and the progress someone will make during their counseling sessions. Therapists can be knowledgable about medications and the interaction with therapy, however they cannot prescribe pharmaceuticals. Referrals to psychiatrists can be given.
How do I prepare for therapy?
Just like your first visit to the doctors office, there’s initial paperwork to fill out. For convenience, all required documents will be sent to your personal confidential portal once your initial appointment is scheduled.
It’s highly recommended you complete these prior to your session.
Other ways to prepare include: think about what you want from therapy, write down things you would like to discuss, make notes of any medications that you are on, give yourself permission to be nervous (it’s okay, it happens to everyone), keep an open mind, be ready to be open and honest, and contemplate applying new thoughts/skills between sessions.
How fast will I see results?
The length of treatment depends on the nature of the problem, the severity of the problem, and the goals selected. For example, issues such as mild stress, adjustment problems, or help making a life decision will require fewer sessions than chronic depression/anxiety, trauma, personality issues, substance use, and ongoing stress. Desired goals will affect the length of treatment as well. Goals can range from “to feel well enough to manage on my own” to “completely changing the way I handle life, including how I make decisions, set goals, and relate to people.”
Have you ever noticed that being solely focused on an outcome sometimes makes the task seem harder or take longer? You will experience joyful and painful emotions in therapy. Just like you’ll encounter internal judgement as well as acceptance and a feeling of peace. You’ll likely experience a full range of emotions and learn how to observe, interpret, and react them. All of this is healthy and necessary for growth.
Lasting growth does take time and persistence, so give yourself permission to have these experiences and you’ll be on your way to achieving the outcome you want.