Understanding therapy
A space to talk. Room to work toward change.
Therapy gives you time to make sense of what’s happening and explore ways to respond. You can ask questions, share what feels difficult, and discuss what you want help with.
Individual counseling
Time to focus on what you’re going through.
In individual counseling, you meet with a therapist to talk about concerns that may be affecting your daily life. A conversation can include thoughts, feelings, and patterns that are hard to manage on your own.
You don’t need a polished explanation. It is okay to say that something feels wrong, that you are worried, or that you want help understanding what is happening.
CFSS offers individual counseling for children age 4 and older, teens, and adults at both offices and by telehealth.
Family counseling
Understanding each other can be part of the work.
When one person is struggling, the people close to them may also feel worried, frustrated, or unsure how to help. Family counseling brings family members into a conversation with a therapist.
It can give a family a place to discuss concerns, better understand each other’s experiences, and practice different ways of communicating. Who takes part and what is discussed depend on the care plan and privacy requirements.
CFSS offers family counseling in person and by telehealth. Ask how family involvement can fit your situation.
Choosing an approach
You can ask how treatment will work.
Different therapy approaches can focus on thoughts and behaviors, relationships, or ways of managing difficult emotions. The approach should fit the person and the concern being addressed.
Ask your clinician which methods they use, what the work may involve, and how you will discuss progress together. Named approaches such as CBT or DBT should be confirmed with CFSS for the specific clinician and service.
Questions for your therapist
- What approach do you recommend, and why?
- What will we work on during appointments?
- How will we discuss what is helping?
- How can family take part when appropriate?
General explanation of psychotherapy, informed by the National Institute of Mental Health. Specific methods, group offerings, and clinician specialties at CFSS require confirmation.