FAQs

IS THERAPY RIGHT FOR ME?
There are many reasons why people come to counseling. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times, it is in response to unexpected changes in one’s life such as a divorce or work transition. Counseling can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Counseling is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THERAPY?
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and his or her specific goals. Therapists discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions, as well as develop some goals to work towards any identified concerns. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, with each session lasting around 50 minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors, thoughts, or emotions. Since most of life happens outside of the therapy session, it is important to integrate what has been discussed there into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective, you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy who achieve the greatest results are those willing to be open and honest with their counselor, take responsibility for their actions, work towards change, and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of the therapist and your sessions:
  • Compassion, respect, and understanding
  • Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
  • Real strategies for enacting positive change
  • Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance
HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT THERAPIST FOR ME?
  •  It’s highly encouraged to read through our therapists’ profiles to identify whose approach and specialties align best with your needs and preferences. This ensures that you find the right fit for your therapeutic journey.
  • Appointments are arranged in accordance with the therapist’s schedule and availability, ensuring efficient and effective time management for both parties involved.
  • After the initial session, individuals often have a sense of whether they resonate with a therapist’s approach. If you find yourself not feeling entirely comfortable, please don’t hesitate to communicate your concerns. Your therapist is open to listening and will strive to make any necessary adjustments. Establishing a trusting alliance with your therapist is paramount for effective therapy, and your feedback is valued in achieving that goal.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO ADDRESS MY CONCERNS?
As with many situations, the answer to this question depends on various factors: the severity and duration of the problem, motivation to change, emotional resources and support that are available, as well as other variables in the process. Sometimes issues can be dealt with in only a few sessions; however, the healing process often takes a bit longer. The good news is that research clearly shows that most people get better though the process of therapy.
IS THERAPY CONFIDENTIAL?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client. However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
  • Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
  • If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
  • If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety.In cases where an individual is uncooperative, further steps may be necessary, such as informing an emergency contact for their safety and well-being.
DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:
  • What are my mental health benefits?
  • What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
  • How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
  • How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
  • Is approval required from my primary care physician?
Family Legacy will bill your insurance directly. If there is a balance after it is submitted to your insurance company, you are responsible for timely payment at each visit.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL OR MISS AN APPOINTMENT?
When an appointment has been scheduled, you will be expected to keep that appointment unless you let the office staff or your therapist know 24 hours in advance that you are unable to attend. This policy is designed to ensure the smooth functioning of our scheduling system and to honor the time and commitment of both our therapists and our clients. With the exception of emergencies, sickness or inclement weather, a $60 fee will be assessed for no shows and late cancellations. 
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE MY FIRST APPOINTMENT?
Before your first meeting, you will receive a username and password to allow you to log in to our Therapy Appointment patient portal where you will be able to enter insurance and demographic information, and background information, as well.  We do ask clients to complete that information prior to your first meeting because we find it makes that first session a more comfortable and more efficient one for you and your therapist if the information is in hand.
I WOULD LIKE MY PARTNER/SPOUSE TO COME TO THERAPY WITH ME, BUT HE/SHE IS UNWILLING. WHAT CAN I DO?
There are many reasons why people do not want to come in for therapy; they may feel that therapy means they are weak and cannot solve their own problems, they may fear being harshly criticized or they may not wish to make changes. If you and your partner are able to discuss the reason for reluctance, it is a good idea to do so. Sometimes partners will come in for a first appointment if they understand that it is an assessment and does not commit them to continuing in treatment. Sometimes, speaking to the therapist over the phone can dispel fears about the appointment. Also, partners may feel more comfortable starting with individual therapy rather than couples therapy. Although any couples’ issues are best addressed with both people in the session, there are still benefits to exploring individual counseling.
WHAT IF I AM NOT A CHRISTIAN, CAN I STILL COME TO ONE OF YOUR THERAPISTS FOR COUNSELING?
The answer is: YES. You will be accepted and not judged, respected for who you are. Our staff of well-trained psychologists and therapists will do their very best to help you meet your goals  for therapy. All are welcome and all respected. The long answer is that at Family Legacy Counseling, your therapist will be a person professionally trained and educated in providing therapy with a systemic perspective and using a variety of modalities (such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy).  The practice of therapy is inherently values based, as all of us have internal values from which we see the world.  As such, Family Legacy derives its values from Biblical Christianity, which is seeing the worth, value, and importance of each human being. The incorporation of Biblical values, principles, and the like will only be done in collaborative consent with you the client.  At Family Legacy, it is understood that you and your therapist will mutually respect each other’s unique values and will not attempt to infringe, coerce or otherwise force each other to violate the other’s own respective values.
WHAT ABOUT MEDICATION VS. PSYCHOTHERAPY?
It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptoms, therapy addresses the causes of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.  Working with your medical doctor, you can determine what’s best for you, and in some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action.
CAN I EXPECT TO FEEL BETTER RIGHT AWAY?
Some people begin to feel better as soon as they make their appointment or after their first session. There can be a sense of relief when you make the commitment to address an issue that is problematic. However, some people do not feel better immediately. Therapy is sometimes emotionally painful, because it involves an active effort to look at yourself and your life situations in a very deep and honest way and to make some difficult changes. If the problems that bring you to therapy were easy to solve, you would have solved them without the guidance of a professional. While the short-term distress of addressing problems and making changes may feel challenging, keep in mind that the potential long-term gains can be well worth it. When therapy is successful, the positive gains in self-esteem, improved relationships, and healthy coping skills will far outweigh the distress of making changes.
HOW LONG WILL MY APPOINTMENT LAST?
The standard therapy sessions last approximately 50-60 minutes.  Treatment duration varies anywhere from a few sessions, to many months of sessions, to intermittent as-needed sessions, based on your goals and what brings you into therapy.  This is something you can discuss more specifically with your counselor once you have begun the process of meeting together.
DO YOU PRESCRIBE MEDICATION?
Family Legacy does not currently have anyone who is able to prescribe or manage medication.
DO YOU HAVE EVENING HOURS?
Some of our therapists have evening hours. Be sure to express any scheduling requirements you may have up front so we can direct you to a therapist who can meet your needs.