Questions about Counseling or Therapy? Susan Block, LMFT, can Help!

Susan Block LMFT offers Marriage & Couples Therapy, Relationship & Premarital Counseling and Grief Counseling Services in and around Coral Springs, FL

Review these questions and answers and see if counseling is right for you.

Is counseling right for me?

Seeking out counseling is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to counseling. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with relationship struggle, anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one’s life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of a marriage and family counselor as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Counseling can help address many types of issues including marriage conflict, depression, anxiety, trauma, 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 their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives. Therapy is a gift one gives to oneself.

Do I really need counseling? I can usually handle my problems.

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you’ve faced, there’s nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, counseling is for people who have enough strength and self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you are in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking counseling. Counseling provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

How can therapy help me?

A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
Developing skills for improving your relationships
Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
Improving communications and listening skills
Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
Positively impacting the outcome of your children’s life experiences and those of their future generations

What is a GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE?

If you’re uninsured or you pay for health care bills yourself, under the law, health care providers need to give you an estimate of expected charges before you get an item or service. This is called a “good faith estimate.” Providers must provide you with a good faith estimate if you have requested one. As a client in our practice, your Good Faith Estimate is available to you and can be requested at all times. It should include expected charges for the primary item or service you’re getting, and any other items or services that are provided as part of the same scheduled experience. Your Good Faith Estimate will be given to you in writing prior to your first visit with us.

• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.

• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.

• If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.

• Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

If you believe you’ve been wrongly billed, you may contact: Florida’s Department of health by calling 850-245-4444.

For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit
www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 850-245-4444.

If you have any questions regarding this notice or our health information privacy policies, please contact Susan Block at susanblock@coralspringscounselingcenter.com.

What is counseling like?

Every counseling session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty 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. It is important process what has been discussed and integrate it 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 are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:

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

Is medication a substitute for counseling?

In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what medications may be best for you. 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 symptom, therapy addresses the cause 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.

Is therapy confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and therapist. 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 dependant 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. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.

Do you accept insurance?

Unfortunately insurance is not accepted at this time.

ABOUT

Susan Block, LMFT is the owner and operator at Coral Springs Counseling Center. Her team offers state-of-the-art couples and adult individual counseling in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami Dade County, as well as the entire state of Florida. Our team of therapists are highly trained in the most advanced, research based modalities and specialize in working with couples and adult individuals who are struggling. We are deeply passionate and committed to our clients and look forward to working together with you! Call or email today to set up your complimentary consultation.

Open morning, afternoon and evenings to accommodate the needs of our clients.