04/30/2026
April has been Counseling Awareness Month, but what is counseling? Counseling is a collaborative relationship between an individual (the client) and a counselor where the counselor can provide guidance to the client in areas in which the client seeks help.
Counselors can provide guidance with mental health disorders and emotional health, relationships, trauma, behavior, grief, careers, decision-making, setting and achieving goals, etc. Counseling can be in the form of individual sessions, group sessions, couples, or sometimes family sessions. Sessions are usually face to face. Some therapists offer teletherapy.
Common Question:
“What happens after the client gets to the counselor’s office and how long does the client attend sessions?”
This will be different for every client since no one is the same. The counselor and client will begin building a relationship at the first appointment. During this time, they will discuss reasons the client is seeking help. What would they like to be different as a result of coming to counseling? This is called goal setting. As the therapeutic relationship evolves, the counselor will provide guidance to the client and help the client find solutions. The counselor may do this by using various types of evidence-based interventions that may include activities, exercises, role plays, worksheets, etc. Appointments are typically scheduled for 30-60 minutes each. The exact length of time will vary depending on age of client, interventions used, and the counselor. When the client and therapist agree that the goals have been met, the client/counseling relationship is ready to come to a close. If the client needs guidance again in the future, the client may call and schedule another appointment.
Modalities may include: CBT, EMDR, Play Therapy, Sand Tray, FST, Solution-Focused, etc
If you have ever considered seeking help from a counselor, we hope you feel comfortable calling to ask questions. You may do so anonymously without giving any personal information. There are many counselors in our area… many good counselors. Find one you are comfortable with.
Make the call when you’re ready.
