What Is Counseling?
Outpatient Counseling is offered to any youth or adult and his or her family to address and resolve issues regarding the client's well being. This level of care involves regular attendance in one hour counseling sessions, and these sessions are scheduled once each week at a time convenient to the client and family. An additional session is available during the week if a crisis or other need arises, and can be scheduled at the time of the need.
Family members are encouraged to be involved with the client in the sessions, and their attendance in each session will vary depending on the needs at the time. Some sessions will include the client alone, while others will include the client and one or more family members. Also, one or more of the participants may meet alone with the counselor during part of the hour. Other professionals involved with the client may be contacted by phone occasionally, with the client's permission.
What are the goals of counseling?
The purpose of counseling is to provide an opportunity for the client and his or her family to address concerns, issues or challenges they face, and to work out their difficulties in a supportive, confidential atmosphere. The counselor plays a crucial role in providing a neutral stance through which the client and other family members can work to achieve their goals regarding the presenting problem and other areas of focus.
The issues addressed in counseling may involve concerns regarding conflicts with family members, low mood or depression, alcohol and other drug use, the client's employment status or legal involvement, or other important life issues. The client and his or her family may be struggling through a time of transition, including a move, job change, separation, or other changes in the family makeup. Each of these issues can be successfully worked out in the supportive and confidential atmosphere provided by counseling.
How does counseling help?
Counselors will listen carefully, provide support and encouragement, offer guidance and suggestions, and give you feedback when appropriate. In many ways, counselors play the role of a life coach. They provide the essential assistance you need to help you achieve your life goals, yet the changing and growing is up to you.
How do I best use counseling?
1) Attend all sessions, and rescedule them if necessary.
2) Complete all homework assignments given.
3) Clarify with your counselor what you need and want.
4) Learn all you can about your area of concern.
5) Work in sessions and out in the world to discover new solutions.
6) If you are dissatisfied with your counseling, then try a new counselor.
To obtain information on another of the topics in this section, click on highlighted words:
Statement of Purpose ~ provides our basic agency philosophy.
Counseling Services ~ describes all of the services we provide at Turning Point, including information about the director.
Newsletter Articles ~ stories written by youth in recovery from substance abuse.
___________________________________________________________________
This web site is maintained by Turning Point Youth & Family Counseling
Jeffrey C. Pearce, M.Ed., LPC, LCAS, MAC, Executive Director
Please send comments and suggestions via e-mail to: jcp22@mindspring.com