Question 1

What is mental health counseling, and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Mental health counseling is a psychotherapy that helps people improve their mental health and well-being. It is often referred to as "talk therapy." Mental health counselors like me work with individuals and couples to address various issues, such as anxiety, depression, stress, grief, and relationship problems.

I use only proven best practices, effective tools, and techniques. I work with clients to create a custom plan based on their unique personalities, values, needs, and goals. My eclectic approach is empathic and supportive, practical, and successful.

Question 2

What type of therapy do you use?

Accepted Answer

My style is casual, warm, practical, and effective. Depending on the client and their need, I can focus on positive, supportive reflection, helping clients gain insight. I can also be directive, asking specific questions, giving input, and assessments, setting goals, offering exercises, and action steps to follow up on. I have been trained in various therapeutic modalities. My approach is eclectic. I use a combination of:

• Client-Centered Therapy
 • CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy) 
 • Gottman Marriage Therapy
 • EFT Emotionally Focused Therapy
 • Sex Therapy-Sexual Wellness
 • Internal Family Systems
 • Narrative Therapy
 • Psychodynamic Therapy
 • Mindfulness

Question 3

How can counseling benefit you?

Accepted Answer

Counseling can significantly improve your relationship with yourself and others, your mental health, and overall well-being. I provide the support and guidance you need to heal from the past, change in the present, and hope for the future. Benefits of counseling include improved mental health through understanding and coping skills, reduced stress and anxiety with healthier coping mechanisms, better relationships with family, friends, and partners, increased self-esteem and a more positive self-view, and an overall improved mood and quality of life.

Question 4

What qualifications and experience do you have?

Accepted Answer

For over 20 years, I have worked with individuals and couples to improve well-being and satisfaction. I am currently in a doctoral program in psychology.

• Master’s degree in Psychology & Professional Counseling
 • Member of the American Counselors Association
 • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) Washington
 • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Oregon
 • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) California
 • Certified Pre-marriage and Marriage Counselors Prepare-Enrich
 • Gottman Institute of Marriage
 • Emotionally Focused Couples Counseling
 • Internal Family Systems
 • Discernment Counseling (Can this relationship be saved?) 
 • Sexual Health/Sex therapy 
 • Gender issues and LGBTQIA+
 • World Professionals of Transgender Health (WPATH)
 • National Board Certified Counselor

Question 5

Why should you choose Bright Future Counseling?

Accepted Answer

At Bright Future Counseling, I offer personalized therapy focusing on couples counseling, relationship issues, anxiety, and depression. With over 20 years of experience, I respond to your emails, texts, and phone calls usually within 24 hours. My goal is to improve emotional and sexual intimacy, trust, communication, and overall relationship satisfaction. I am honored to support you through some of life's most sensitive and important areas, and we love what we do!

Question 6

How long does Counseling take?

Accepted Answer

That is a great question it is often asked. The short answer is clients average 3-12 sessions. The more complete but vague answer is, "It depends." It depends on the issues (Is there a history of traumas or complicated dysfunctional patterns?) and the client (How motivated are they to take responsibility and change? What is their emotional and intellectual capacity?).

Question 7

Is everything discussed in Counseling confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with a few exceptions. Counselors have a legal and ethical duty to protect. If clients say they intend to harm themselves or somebody else, a counselor may need to break confidentiality to keep someone safe. In extreme cases, a counselor may be compelled by a court order to release part of a client's records. I follow best practices to keep the information confidential.

Question 8

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

No, I do not accept any insurance. Most insurance companies do not cover relationship issues since it is not a diagnosable mental health condition. However, your insurance may reimburse a portion for an out-of-network provider or count your counseling payments towards your deductible. You can request a super bill to submit to your insurance at the end of each month. It doesn't hurt to try unless you want to keep the fact that you are in counseling confidential.

Question 9

What out-of-pocket methods of payment do you offer?

Accepted Answer

I accept cash, credit, debit, HSA, and more electronic methods of payment: Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, and Zelle. Payment is due in full at the beginning of each session.

Question 10

What can we expect during a couples counseling session?

Accepted Answer

Couples Counseling usually starts with both individuals in the session to discuss what they want to get out of therapy. I ask each individuals about what they would like to be different in their relationship and where their heart is towards their partner and the relationship. Sometimes a person can love their partner but be dissatisfied and frustrated about the relationship. Another may love their family and the ways the relationship functions, but they do not feel romantic or sexual attraction, or they have lost respect for their partner. I assess if individuals are leaning in or out of the relationship, if the individuals want/value the same thing in a relationship, to what extent the individuals have the motivation and capacity for the change needed, and how much pain or broken trust needs to be repaired. Then, we create a personalized plan. This may require some healing of the past, repairing broken trust, gaining skills and insights, learning how to identify the core issues behind the conflict, how to resolve conflict, how to identify attachment styles and manage differing personalities, needs, and values, and what is needed to maintain a positive trajectory.

I am passionate about helping couples heal and reach their full potential.

Question 11

What is Gottman couples counseling/therapy?

Accepted Answer

Gottman Therapy is a research-based therapy that aims to help couples build stronger relationships. It provides counselors a framework to address the most common concerns that couples have: disarm conflict, improve verbal communication, increase emotional, sexual intimacy, respect, and affection, remove barriers that create feelings of stagnancy, and create a heightened sense of empathy and understanding within the context of the relationship.

Question 12

How can sexual wellness counseling help you?

Accepted Answer

Sexual wellness counseling helps improve your physical, emotional, and mental health related to sex. With specialized training in sexual wellness, I address issues such as sexual dysfunction, trauma, relationship problems, body image issues, sexual orientation or gender identity concerns, and sexual health concerns like STIs or unplanned pregnancy. I help you understand your sexual needs, communicate effectively with partners, and develop healthy sexual behaviors. Benefits include improved communication, increased self-esteem and body image, reduced anxiety and stress, increased sexual satisfaction, and overall improved health and well-being.

Question 13

Do you provide confidential affirming counseling for Queer/LBGTQ+ folks?

Accepted Answer

YES! I am an affirming advocate for Queer/LBGTQ+ individuals and couples. I have special training from the World Professional Association of Transgender Health and experience with transgender individuals at various stages of their transition. I have experience leading support groups and providing safe and confidential therapy for Queer/LBGTQ+ individuals, couples, and nontraditional couples practicing ethical non-monogamy.

If you are a queer person who is considering Counseling, here are some things to look for in a therapist:

• Someone experienced in working with queer clients: This means that the therapist has training and knowledge about the unique issues that queer folks face.
 • Someone who is affirming and non-judgmental: This means that the therapist will accept your sexual orientation or gender      identity and will not try to change you.
 • Someone who is a good fit for you: This means that you feel comfortable with the therapist and that you can trust them to help you.

Question 14

What are some unique needs for Queer/LGBTQ+ individuals and couples in Counseling?

Accepted Answer

Queer folks and individuals of the LGBTQ+ community may face unique issues in Counseling, such as:

• Internalized homophobia or biphobia: This is the feeling of shame or self-hatred about one's sexual orientation or gender identity. It can be caused by various factors, including negative messages from society, family, or religious institutions.
 • Coming out: This can be a difficult and stressful process, and it can be helpful to have a therapist to talk to about the challenges and joys of coming out.
 • Discrimination: Queer folks may experience discrimination in housing, employment, healthcare, and other areas. This can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression.
 • Violence: Queer folks are disproportionately at risk of violence, including sexual assault and hate crimes. This can have a devastating impact on mental and physical health.
 • Family rejection: Queer folks may be rejected by their families, which can be a very painful experience. This can lead to feelings of loneliness, abandonment, and self-doubt.
 • Trauma: Queer folks may have experienced trauma related to their sexual orientation or gender identity, such as bullying, harassment, or violence. This trauma can have a lasting impact on mental health.

Bright Future Counseling

FAQs

Couples Counseling

Finding the right counselor

Sexual Wellness Therapy

How long does counseling take?

Addressing broken trust & infidelity

Religious trauma

Queer & LGBTQ+ Friendly

Do you accept Insurance?

How does counseling work?

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