About Therapy Sessions:

Therapy sessions are 50 minutes long.

The frequency of therapy sessions can vary based on individual needs and circumstances. Generally, at the beginning of therapy, sessions might be more frequent, such as once a week. As progress is made and goals are achieved, sessions might become less frequent, transitioning to bi-weekly or monthly sessions.

The number of therapy sessions needed varies widely from person to person and depends on various factors, including:

  1. Nature of the Issue: The complexity and severity of the issue being addressed can influence the duration of therapy. Some concerns might require short-term therapy, while others may benefit from longer-term support.
  2. Therapeutic Goals: The goals you set with your therapist can impact the duration of therapy. Some goals might be achieved relatively quickly, while others may take more time to address comprehensively.
  3. Therapeutic Approach: Different therapeutic modalities have varying timelines. Some focused therapies, like brief solution-focused therapy, may require fewer sessions, while deeper exploratory approaches, such as psychodynamic therapy, could take longer.
  4. Client Engagement: Your active participation and engagement in therapy, completion of assignments (if applicable), and willingness to work on identified issues outside of sessions can influence the number of sessions needed.
  5. Personal Factors: External factors like support networks, coping skills, and life circumstances also play a role in determining the duration of therapy.

During a therapy session, you can expect a supportive and confidential environment where you’ll engage in open and honest conversations with your therapist. While specific experiences can vary based on therapeutic approaches and individual needs.

Yes. Juniper Counseling currently offers online counseling sessions to Florida and Pennsylvania residents.

Therapist Qualifications and Approach:

Michael Brown is a licensed professional therapist. He has a Master’s in Multicultural Education from Eastern University and a Master’s in Clinical Counseling from Moravian Theological Seminary. He is a level-2 certified complex trauma professional with significant training in IFS (Internal Family Systems) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

Our therapists integrate elements from various approaches based on the individual’s needs and goals, including IFS (Internal Family Systems) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). When seeking therapy, discussing the therapist’s approach and how it aligns with your preferences and needs is beneficial. This ensures you and your therapist can collaboratively select an approach that suits you best.

Here are some factors to consider when determining if a therapist is the right fit for you:

  • Comfort and Connection: Pay attention to how comfortable you feel with the therapist. A good fit often involves feeling understood, respected, and safe during sessions.
  • Therapeutic Approach: Consider whether the therapist’s approach aligns with your preferences and goals. Some may prefer structured, solution-focused therapy, while others might prefer a more exploratory or holistic approach.
  • Experience and Expertise: Check the therapist’s qualifications, experience, and expertise in dealing with issues similar to yours. Specializations and experience in areas relevant to your concerns can be beneficial.
  • Communication Style: Assess whether the therapist’s communication style resonates with you. Do they actively listen, provide feedback, and encourage your involvement in the therapeutic process?
  • Trust and Rapport: Building trust and rapport is essential. If you feel confident in the therapist’s abilities and trust their guidance, it’s a positive sign of a good fit.
  • Feedback and Validation: A good therapist validates your experiences, offers insights, and helps you gain a better understanding of yourself without judgment.
  • Shared Values and Cultural Sensitivity: Consider whether the therapist respects your cultural background, values, and beliefs. Cultural competence and sensitivity are crucial in therapy.

Privacy and Confidentiality:

At Juniper Counseling, our therapists adhere to strict ethical and legal guidelines to maintain client confidentiality, ensuring that the information shared during therapy sessions remains private.

Confidentiality means that therapists cannot disclose information about your sessions to anyone without your explicit consent, except in certain specific situations.

  1. Risk of Harm: If the therapist believes there is an immediate risk of harm to you or others, they may need to take necessary steps to ensure safety, which could include breaking confidentiality.
  2. Legal Obligations: In some jurisdictions, therapists may be required by law to report certain situations, such as suspected child abuse, elder abuse, or threats to national security.
  3. Court Orders or Legal Proceedings: Therapists may be legally compelled to provide information if a court orders it.

Juniper Counseling employs various measures to protect client privacy and data:

  • Confidentiality Policies: Therapists establish clear confidentiality policies and discuss them with clients before starting therapy. This ensures clients understand how their information will be handled.
  • Secure Record-Keeping: Therapists maintain client records securely, often using encrypted and password-protected systems to store session notes, treatment plans, and other sensitive information.
  • Limited Access: Therapists limit access to client information, ensuring that only authorized personnel (typically the therapist and authorized staff) have access to client records.
  • Secure Communication: When communicating with clients, therapists use secure and private channels such as encrypted emails or secure messaging platforms to protect the confidentiality of electronic communication.
  • Professional Standards and Ethics: Therapists adhere to professional ethical standards and legal requirements regarding client confidentiality, ensuring that they follow the law and ethical guidelines regarding data protection.
  • Informed Consent: Therapists obtain informed consent from clients before sharing any information with third parties, ensuring that clients understand and agree to any disclosures.
  • Data Encryption and Protection: Therapists utilize encrypted platforms and secure software systems to protect electronic data and communications from unauthorized access or hacking.
  • Regular Training and Compliance: Therapists stay updated on best practices and undergo regular training to maintain compliance with data protection laws and standards.

Protecting client privacy and data confidentiality is a critical aspect of ethical therapy practice, and Juniper Counseling takes various precautions to ensure that client information remains secure and confidential.

Payment, Insurance, and Fees:

We are in-network with the following insurance providers:

  • United Healthcare
  • Independence BCBS
  • Cigna
  • Highmark BCBS
  • Aetna
  • UPMC

The fee for a 50-minute session is $150

We have a few sliding scale spots available, so please inquire if finances are an issue.

Approach to Treatment:

Therapy progress measurement is often collaborative, involving discussions between therapist and client. It’s important to recognize that progress looks different for everyone and may not always be linear. The assessment of progress is an ongoing process throughout the therapeutic journey, adapting to changing needs and goals as therapy continues.

The client plays an active and central role in the therapy process. Here are some key aspects of the client’s role in therapy:

  • Self-Exploration and Reflection: Clients are encouraged to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences openly and honestly during therapy sessions. This self-exploration helps in gaining insights into oneself.
  • Setting Goals: Clients collaborate with the therapist to identify and set realistic and achievable goals for therapy. These goals guide the focus and direction of the therapeutic work.
  • Active Participation: Actively engaging in therapy involves discussing concerns, asking questions, and providing feedback. Participation helps tailor the therapy to meet individual needs effectively.
  • Commitment to Change: Clients commit to making efforts to implement strategies, practice skills, and apply insights gained in therapy to their daily lives.
  • Homework and Practice: Some therapeutic approaches may involve assignments or exercises to practice outside of sessions. Clients are encouraged to complete these tasks to reinforce learning and growth.
  • Feedback and Communication: Open communication with the therapist is crucial. Providing feedback about the therapy process, discussing concerns, and expressing needs fosters a strong therapeutic alliance.
  • Accountability: Clients take responsibility for their own progress in therapy. This involves actively working on identified issues and taking ownership of the therapeutic process.
  • Consistency and Attendance: Consistent attendance and active participation in scheduled therapy sessions contribute to the effectiveness of therapy.
  • Self-Care and Application of Skills: Applying learned coping strategies and self-care techniques in everyday life is vital for long-term progress outside of therapy sessions.
  • Embracing Change: Embracing change and being open to new perspectives and insights is fundamental to personal growth and development in therapy.

The therapist-client relationship is a collaborative one, and the client’s willingness to engage, participate, and invest in the therapeutic process significantly impacts the success of therapy.

Yes, some therapists may assign homework or activities for clients to work on between therapy sessions. These assignments are designed to reinforce learning, practice new skills, or further explore specific issues outside the therapy room. Homework assignments can vary widely based on the therapeutic approach and individual client needs.

Examples of homework or activities in therapy might include:

  1. Journaling: Writing thoughts, feelings, or reflections in a journal to explore emotions or track patterns.
  2. Mindfulness Exercises: Practicing mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, or relaxation techniques.
  3. Behavioral Experiments: Trying new behaviors or responses in specific situations to test their effectiveness.
  4. Reading Assignments: Suggested readings or educational materials related to the client’s concerns or therapeutic goals.
  5. Self-Monitoring: Keeping a log or diary of behaviors, triggers, or emotions to increase self-awareness.
  6. Role-Playing: Practicing communication or problem-solving skills through role-playing scenarios.
  7. Homework Worksheets: Completing worksheets or exercises related to coping skills, communication, or self-reflection.
  8. Goal-Setting: Setting and working towards specific goals between sessions.

These assignments are not mandatory, and therapists typically discuss and agree on them collaboratively with clients. Clients are encouraged to engage in these activities at their own pace and comfort level, and they are meant to complement the work done in therapy sessions, fostering personal growth and progress outside of the therapy session.

Miscellaneous:

Deciding if therapy is right for you depends on various factors, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Here are some signs that seeking therapy might be beneficial:

  1. Feeling Overwhelmed: If you’re experiencing intense emotions, persistent stress, or feeling overwhelmed by life circumstances, therapy can provide support.
  2. Struggling with Relationships: Difficulties in relationships, whether romantic, familial, or social, might indicate a need for therapy to improve communication and understanding.
  3. Persistent Mental Health Symptoms: Symptoms like persistent sadness, anxiety, irritability, changes in sleep or appetite, or difficulty concentrating might benefit from professional help.
  4. Life Transitions: Major life changes, such as loss, divorce, relocation, career changes, or identity issues, can cause emotional distress that therapy can help navigate.
  5. Unresolved Past Trauma: If past traumatic experiences affect your daily life, relationships, or mental health, therapy can assist in processing and healing.
  6. Desire for Personal Growth: Seeking self-discovery, personal growth, or wanting to understand oneself better are valid reasons to explore therapy.
  7. Difficulty Coping: If you find it challenging to cope with stress, manage emotions, or deal with challenging situations, therapy can provide coping strategies and support.
  8. Seeking a Safe Space: Therapy offers a confidential and non-judgmental space to express yourself, seek guidance, and explore concerns without fear of judgment.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue therapy is personal. If you’re uncertain, consider speaking with a therapist for an initial consultation. They can help assess your situation and determine if therapy might be beneficial for your specific needs and circumstances. Trust your intuition and prioritize your mental health and well-being.

If you find yourself in a crisis or need immediate help between therapy sessions, there are several steps you can take:

  1. Contact Your Therapist: Reach out to your therapist directly, even if it’s between sessions. Your therapist can provide guidance in urgent situations or resources for immediate support.
  2. Crisis Hotlines: Call a crisis hotline or helpline. These services are available 24/7 and offer confidential support and guidance during difficult times. Hotlines exist for various concerns, such as suicide prevention, mental health crises, or domestic violence.
  3. Emergency Services: If you’re in immediate danger to yourself or others, don’t hesitate to call emergency services (911 or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
  4. Supportive Networks: Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or support networks. Sometimes, talking to someone you trust can provide immediate comfort and support.
  5. Mobile Crisis Teams: Some areas have mobile crisis teams or mental health crisis response teams that can provide immediate assistance or visit you in a crisis situation.
  6. Utilize Crisis Text Lines: Crisis text lines allow individuals to text trained crisis counselors for immediate support via text message.
  7. Self-Help Techniques: Use coping strategies or self-help techniques recommended by your therapist, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or grounding techniques to manage immediate distress.

Remember, prioritizing your safety and well-being is crucial in a crisis. If you’re unsure about what to do or need immediate help, don’t hesitate to reach out to emergency services or crisis hotlines for immediate assistance. It’s okay to seek help when you need it, and there are resources available to support you during challenging times.