What To Expect From Counseling
Most people, at one time or another, need some help. For some, talking with a therapist helps them find ways to improve their life. If therapy is a new experience for you, you probably have some questions about the process. We encourage you to ask your therapist about anything related to the counseling to help clarify these concerns.
After you place your initial call into Nicoletti-Flater requesting services, we work to match you with a therapist who will best serve your needs. All appointments are made with the available therapist who best fits your schedule and the urgency of your concerns. This first session is a time for you to determine whether you will feel comfortable in working with this particular therapist. If you are not satisfied with the experience, talk it over with your therapist and a referral can be made to someone else on the staff and/or to an outside agency. In addition, all attempts to comply with you request for a certain therapist will be honored. Sometimes caseload and other commitments may make this impossible; however, all of the staff are competent professionals.
In the initial session, the therapist will let you explain why you have come to therapy and what you hope to get out of it. The purpose of this "intake session" is to determine what would be the most effective way of assisting you. The counselor you initially see may be the person you work with, or she or he may choose to refer you to another therapist or source of help. We sometimes make referrals to psychiatrists (for medication evaluations), support groups, and/or other professionals with particular specialties.
Each session of therapy usually lasts 45 minutes to an hour, and you generally meet with your therapist once a week. Some therapists may require more activity during therapy than just talking with you about particular issues. These activities may include such things as role playing or homework assignments in which you practice some of the techniques introduced in therapy.
Your work with your therapist may only be one session, or it could be lengthier. Whether it is short or long-term therapy, it might be in your best interest to follow it through to its conclusion. There will probably be times when you find the work difficult or painful. During these times it is very important to stick with the therapy process. Talk with your therapist about these feelings.
We expect you to keep your appointments. If you are unable to make your scheduled appointment, please try to call at least 24 hours in advance, so that we can assign that hour to another client. For emergencies, you can activate our pager system by calling 303-989-1617.
Sometimes clients end therapy without a closing session. This abrupt termination may leave you with leftover feelings and guilt. The counseling experience might seem more complete if you talk with your counselor about ending rather than just not showing up.
You have taken an important step for yourself in asking for help. This choice is often difficult to make, and you might want to see changes right away. The staff at Nicoletti-Flater would like to facilitate the process of helping you reach your goals. We appreciate any feedback on how we can help you more effectively.
Confidentiality
It is our responsibility to insure you confidentiality in the strictest sense. We will release no information about you without your knowledge and consent.
There are legal exceptions to the above. You should be aware of these. Information may be shared:
1. Between qualified professionals (for consultation and/or supervision).
2. To make claims for aid, insurance, or medical assistance.
3. When ordered by the Court.
4. When the psychologist determines that a warning is necessary to avert danger arising from the emotional condition of the client.
5. When necessary to inform authorities of ongoing or threatened acts harmful to other people or property. Colorado law mandates report of child abuse and neglect.
Your responsibility is to give your written consent for release of information when you:
1. Understand the nature of the information to be sent.
2. Believe the release is needed and will be helpful to you.
Your Rights As A Client
You have a right to dignity. You are entitled to respect. Our staff members will respect your individuality to the best of our ability. We request that you respect us by raising any questions that you may have. We are embarking on a cooperative effort that can succeed only if we are open and honest with each other.
It is our ethical and legal responsibility to respect your right to privacy. We will ask you to disclose information only when we believe it is necessary to our understanding and resolution of the problem. It is your responsibility to cooperate as fully as possible in providing needed information.
We will evaluate and treat children and youth only with consent of parents or legal guardians in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado. Youths 15 or older have the right to seek treatment without parental or guardian consent.
It is our responsibility to inform you about:
1. How we see your problems.
2. The treatment or procedure which we would recommend.
3. The alternative methods or sources of treatment which exist (and to follow the least restrictive alternative)
4. Revised treatment plans
5. The extent of any risk involved
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