FAQ

• Regence/BlueCross BlueShield
• Select Health
• EMI
• DMBA
• Molina Healthcare
• United Healthcare
• Aetna
• Medicaid
• Out-of-Network

Cory Dennis PHD LCSW

• Addiction (Alcohol, Drugs, Gambling, etc.)
• Anxiety, Depression & Self-esteem
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Mood Disorders & Thinking Disorders
• Trauma
• Spirituality
• Men’s Issues

Sherinah Saasa PHD LCSW

• Anxiety & Stress
• Depression & Self-esteem
• Racial Trauma & Racial identity
• Behavioral issues & Coping Skills
• Emotional Disturbance
• Grief & Life Transitions
• Peer Relationships & Relationship Issues
• Spirituality
• Trauma, PTSD and Mood Disorders
• Women’s Issues

Camille Foster LCSW

• Anxiety & Depression
• Relationship Concerns
• Life Skills Coaching
• Parenting Classes

Different therapists use a variety of methods, but research repeatedly shows that the quality of the relationship between the therapist and the client is the best predictor of change regardless of the method used. Carl Rogers, a well known psychologist, felt that the primary requirements of a good counselor were:

• unconditional positive regard towards the client,
• genuineness or authenticity in the interactions
• empathic understanding

Rogers believed this type of interaction created the ideal condition for client change.

How do you determine whether your therapist meets the Carl Rogers standard? Try using your “gut” sense as a quality barometer. You are the authority on your life. You can trust your instincts to know if a therapist is right for you and if your therapy is generally headed in the right direction. No one is perfect, including therapists. Keep in mind that if your therapy feels difficult and frustrating, it may be normal and a sign that you are changing. The change process is not easy.

Below is a list of the questions you can ask regarding your therapist. If you are currently in therapy and have concerns after reading these questions, talk to your therapist before making a change. If you are looking for a therapist, ask yourself these questions before beginning therapy or at times along the way when you feel stuck.

• Do I feel like my therapist is authentic, genuine, and sincere?
• Is the therapist competent? Does the therapist’s work suggest that he or she is keeping current with mental health research and best practices approaches? Does the therapist subscribe to any journals in his or her field of work?
• Can the therapist engage me? Does the therapist interact with me in a way that keeps me engaged in the session?
• Does the therapist give me helpful feedback in a gentle manner?
• Can the therapist move me out of my comfort zone and stretch me to grow in areas previously uncomfortable to me? Does the therapist encourage me to take some risks?
• Is the therapist empathic? Can the therapist validate my fears and concerns?
• Does the therapist move beyond surface issues and understand the core dynamics of my problem?
• Is the therapist willing to express how he or she experiences me in our interactions?
• Can the therapist take feedback and listen to how I experience him or her in our interactions?
• Does the therapist use objective measures and monitor outcomes in sessions?
• Have we collaborated on goals and benchmark objectives?
• With the exceptions of the limitations to confidentiality and legal duties to report, is the therapist completely committed to keeping the content and details of our sessions private?

Good luck on your search—you CAN make changes to increase your self esteem and ability to enjoy life, and we would love to help!