There are times in life, when we experience mental health issues which create a moderate level of stress. This can, and often does, affect our overall ability to function at home, at work or school, and maintain satisfying relationships. Clients interested in counseling services are usually motivated to create a positive change in their life, are open-minded, and dedicated to the therapeutic process, which means they keep their scheduled appointments, complete homework assignments between sessions, and demonstrate an active level of engagement during the counseling session. They are also willing to put forth effort to create the changes they would like to see. 

My counseling process has 4 different stages: assessment, treatment, maintenance, and termination. I find it helpful to explain the therapeutic process in this way as it gives most people a basic understanding of what they can expect.

Counseling generally begins with one session each week and this slowly decreases as you successfully reach your treatment goals. It is important to note the assessment, treatment, and maintenance phases can be revisited throughout the counseling process as we will assess your progress and make changes to your treatment goals, as needed. You may maintain certain changes while you continue to work on other goals. These phases will not have a distinct beginning or end, but instead transition naturally as you progress in the counseling process. 

• During the assessment phase, we will gain clarity on the issues you would like to work on and develop a plan for your treatment. 
• The treatment phase will involve education on important concepts and/or tools that will help you reach your goals and you will start to make changes in your life with this knowledge. 
• The maintenance phase is usually marked by a decrease in sessions as you work on maintaining your therapeutic changes. Some people choose to stay on a maintenance schedule longer than others, but every person will eventually move towards terminating treatment.
• The termination phase is the time in which your counseling goals have been successfully met and your need for continued treatment has resolved.