FAQs about counseling, therapy, psychotherapy, and coaching in San Luis Obispo, California

Sep 15

You have started the search for a therapist or counselor in San Luis Obispo County, but you might be finding yourself feeling a little nervous or unsure. If you have never participated in therapy before, it is normal to have lot of questions! There are many unknowns when beginning something you haven’t done before.

FAQs about therapy and counseling in San Luis Obispo County

I completely understand how nerve-wracking it can be to start this journey. But I’m here to help! Let’s go through some common FAQs to help you feel more prepared and informed before attending your first session.

Question #1: How do I know if I need counseling?

I typically find that by the time people are asking this question, it is a pretty good indicator that there has been a lot on their mind and they may benefit from some extra help. Some questions to ask yourself to determine if you need counseling are:

Is whatever I’m going through starting to affect my daily life in a negative way?
Am I experiencing physical symptoms as a result of my stress/situation?
Are my normal coping mechanisms no longer helping me get through this difficulty?
Are books, podcasts, or other resources not helping me make lasting change?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, you may benefit from working with a therapist.

Question #2: What should I ask a therapist before meeting with them?

Meeting with a therapist for a free consultation is a good way to get a feel for their personality and areas of specialty. You may have some important questions of your own that you want to be sure are addressed! If you are looking for more ideas, check out my blog post about what to ask a potential therapist.

Question #3: How long will therapy last?

Every therapist has a different approach, but most therapists will recommend committing to a few sessions to ensure that you are a good fit and will work well together. In my experience, clients have benefited from treatment ranging from about three months to a year. Longer term work allows us to get to know each other more deeply and begin addressing issues from their root cause, helping make real and lasting change.

Question #4: What is the difference between a counselor, therapist, social worker, and psychologist in San Luis Obispo, California?

This is such a great question because there are so many different types of providers! Here is a short summary: most counselors, therapists, and social works are masters-level providers that are able to diagnose and treat mental illness, as well as provide care for life transitions, goals, and self-improvement. Psychologists are PhD level providers that often can do things like formal assessments for certain diagnoses, as well as therapy. Marriage and family therapists are providers specifically trained in relational therapy (couples and families) as well as one on one therapy.

Question #5: How often will we meet?

I have found that clients tend to benefit by starting out with weekly sessions. If there are crisis issues, or a desire to start seeing results more quickly, twice weekly appointments can be beneficial. As clients begin to see progress and find stability, I like to take a “you push off from me” approach, and I allow clients to schedule bi-weekly appointments until they feel ready to terminate their treatment. The goal for our work together is for you to come, grow, and go!

Question #6: What is the difference between virtual and in person therapy?

Both in person and virtual therapy have their benefits, and both have proven to be effective in the treatment of mental health disorders. In person therapy allows you to be in the room with a therapist, face to face. Virtual therapy is when you meet with a therapist via a HIPAA secure video chat platform. Virtual therapy can be helpful for those who need flexibility because it cuts down on commute time and can be done from anywhere (even on a lunch break!). In my four years of experience doing virtual therapy, I have found that the outcomes for my clients are the same as when we got to meet in person.

Question #7: Do you have experience working with the issues I am looking for help with?

It is important that you get care that is centered around your needs! I work with clients who are struggling with life transitions, depression, or anxiety. I also work with couples wanting to work on improving their relationships. And I work with medical professionals and their families.

I hope this helps you find the right therapist in San Luis Obispo. If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to call me at (805)-956-8555 for a free 15-minute phone consultation or reach out to me through my website. If you are wondering if I can help with your particular needs, let’s chat! If we find I am not the right fit for you, I would be happy to help direct you to someone who is.

I wish you well on beginning your journey toward improved health and happiness!

Rachel Van Wickle