Frequently asked questions about Christian counseling in Tacoma, WA

So, you’re thinking about finding a Christian counselor in Tacoma, WA, but you have some questions first. Like, maybe a lot of questions!

That’s totally normal! Starting counseling can feel a little scary, and it helps to know what to expect. Here are some of the top FAQs I hear when it comes to starting therapy.

Don’t only “____” kind of people need counseling?

• Thankfully this is changing rapidly, but in the past, going to therapy has had a stigma that it is only for cases of extreme trauma, tragedy, or that it somehow signals that a person is in a crisis if they are in need of therapy. Nothing could be further from the truth! I might be biased, but I think everyone can benefit from being in therapy, and it is not just for “extreme circumstances.” Therapy can help you to have more clarity about what you’re thinking or feeling, be less reactive, feel more capable of coping with stress, feel more seen and valued in your relationships, sleep better at night, handle conflict, and a myriad of other things that all of us could use help with.

• Some clients worry that their therapist might perceive them as “complaining” because clients will sometimes say, “it’s not like I’ve been through a real trauma. I should be able to get it together.” To this, I would reply, often many of us underestimate the trauma we have experienced, and no matter what our life circumstances, we are all worthy of and would benefit from someone taking the time to help us explore our raw and honest emotions in a safe and compassionate space.

• Also, therapy can help to prevent problems before they get worse, and help you optimize your mental, emotional, and relational health. Just like you might decide to work with a personal trainer to take your physical health to the next level, therapy can help you thrive and go from “good” to “great,” in addition to helping you heal when times are tough.

  What do you talk about in counseling? I’m afraid I won’t have enough to say!

• I hear this a lot! Don’t worry, as you get started, you’ll find you have more to say than you might think. The first and second sessions are usually for the purpose of a lot of information gathering. Your therapist will ask you questions to understand your background and the current symptoms or pain points you want to work on. Together, the two of you will set goals and create a treatment plan, which will be your roadmap in therapy. This will help ensure you always have things to talk about because you and your counselor will be working on specific things and moving toward tangible change.

  When it comes to using my insurance, what is the difference between “in-network” and “out-of-network” providers?

• In-network means that the provider has a contract with your particular insurance company. The therapist can bill your insurance directly for sessions and you might be able to pay a copay for sessions (though you still may have a deductible to meet). Out-of-network means that you still may be able to use your insurance, but in a different way. Instead of billing the insurance company, the therapist will bill you for the full cost of the session, and then can provide you a document called a “superbill.” You can submit this to your insurance company and depending on your plan, you may be eligible to be reimbursed for part of the session. The rate of reimbursement will depend on your particular insurance plan. In some cases, you can be reimbursed for more than half of the rate, sometimes less. Call your insurance company to understand your out-of-network coverage for mental health. Exploring out-of-network providers gives you more choices about who you can work with so you can find the best fit for you.

  is telehealth (online video sessions) as effective as in-person?

• Actually, yes! According to this article published by the American Psychological Association,

  • “What we’ve seen is that telehealth is essentially just as effective as face-to-face psychotherapy—and retention rates are higher,” says David Mohr, PhD, director of the Center for Behavioral Intervention Technologies at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, who has spent his career studying telepsychology and digital mental health.

• In addition, online video sessions give you more choices as a client, since you can work any therapist licensed in WA state. Plus, no commuting, no parking issues, and more accessibility to mental health care for you the client.

  Do I have to be a Christian to see a Christian counselor?

• No! Speaking for myself, I work with clients across a wide range of spiritual beliefs and practices. I like to include a client’s spiritual beliefs in the therapy process when it would be a positive resource to clients, to help them connect to hope, comfort, and meaning. Personally, my journey has been in the realm of Christian spirituality, and so I have specialized expertise I can offer to clients who share that background. But my goal is to support people with diverse beliefs in a way that fits within their own worldview.

  What if I feel like I’m not making progress in therapy?

• I would strongly urge you to have an honest conversation with your therapist in that case. I know it can feel scary to bring that up. Some clients have fears of not wanting to hurt their therapist’s feelings, or maybe you like your counselor and want to please them, so you give the impression that things are working more than they are. As you can see, this may connect to the reasons we come to therapy in the first place! And so, even more reason to push yourself to be honest about this. Together, the two of you can address your concerns and change the treatment plan and method to help you get better results. It is a normal thing to take time regularly to reflect on the process, note what is working and what isn’t, and make course corrections.

• If you have tried this and things still aren’t working out, it’s ok to end the relationship and seek out a new therapist. Maybe you would benefit from a different style or approach. It’s best to honest about this too with your current therapist and they may be able to make referrals to you to help you find someone who would be a better fit. This is a common and normal thing, so don’t let it discourage you about therapy overall. Just like dating, it can often take meeting multiple people to find someone who seems like a good match.

I hope this helps to answer some of your questions about finding a therapist in Tacoma, WA. If I can help you with other questions you may have about the therapy process, feel free to call me at (253) 365-0403 for a free 15-minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for Christian counseling, you can read more about how I can help here.