First, we commend your courage in seeking to work through a personal issue. This is no small accomplishment. As counselors, we want to honor your efforts. Our first goal is to seek to understand you and the issue that brings you to us. We strive to listen and understand. In addition, we’ll ask questions to clarify and deepen our grasp of the situation. Counseling is a two-way process. We don’t dictate. Instead, we collaborate. Although we sometimes make suggestions, any actions you take must be based on your own conviction. We honor your desire for personal growth and change and seek to affirm your worth and dignity as a person.

Finding the right counselor is important. We encourage you to begin by reading each New Hope counselor’s profile. These should provide information to help schedule your first visit. If you still have questions, please contact us and we’ll help to match you with the therapist who is the best fit for you.

During your first or second session, your therapist will discuss a treatment plan that is tailored to meet your goals. We do not believe in a cookie-cutter approach. Instead, we’ll make a recommendation on the frequency and number of your of counseling sessions based upon your specific needs.

The decision between in-person and virtual therapy sessions is a personal one and depends on your needs, preferences and circumstances. Your safety and privacy are important to us and can be a determining factor in your decision.

In-person sessions may provide some people with a stronger sense of connection and rapport as well as minimizing distractions. Telehealth sessions provide convenience, allowing you to enjoy your own familiar surroundings. They may also be more time efficient. We use Zoom for HealthCare, a secure and encrypted video conference platform. It requires reliable, high-speed internet access, and a private, quiet, and secure space. In addition, you must be physically present in a state in which the therapist holds an active license to practice.

Please visit the web page of the counselor of your choice. Instructions for how to make an appointment are listed for each therapist. They have slightly different approaches.

At New Hope Counseling, determining an approach to therapy is a collaborative effort between the client and the therapist. Our counselors will listen to your goals and make a recommendation based on our assessment and your feedback.

We do not participate in these due to their time-consuming nature.

Absolutely. Counseling requires trust and confidentiality is the foundation of a secure relationship with a therapist. Although creating a trusting environment is the goal, counselors can also face professional and legal sanctions if they betray confidence. There are only a few exceptions to the commitment to confidentiality:

• If clients express intent to harm themselves or others

• If clients report ongoing abuse or neglect of themselves or others

• If a counselor must respond to a court order requesting information related to legal proceedings

We provide a statement regarding our privacy practices to all clients at their first visit. Please let us know if you have questions.

Cost is a factor in any major purchase. Most of us pay significantly for our medical insurance benefits. Therefore, often we assume that we should pick a counselor from an insurance-approved provider list. We believe it’s in your best interest to be an informed consumer and consider the pros and cons of using insurance for counseling. We expand on this here.