Question 1

What can counseling offer me? Isn't it just sitting and talking with somebody?

Accepted Answer

We're so glad you asked! Most of the time, counseling does involve talking (this is why most counseling approaches are called "talk therapy"). But, counseling isn't just sitting and talking. At RFC, the strategies we use often look like talking, but are very specific, and help us structure our time together to make sure you get the most out of it.  So back to your first question: This means that counseling can be structured to offer many different things, based on your concerns and goals. For example, if you want to learn better ways to communicate, we can talk about practical skills while also exploring the under-the-surface factors (like anger or fear) that can make connecting with someone more difficult. In another case, if you feel totally lost and alone in general and just need a place to process things, we can unpack the confusion, and also look for opportunities to take care of yourself in the meantime.

Question 2

How does counseling work?

Accepted Answer

Most of the research surrounding "how" counseling works tells us that a really important part of the process is having a good relationship with your counselor. That is mostly because counseling can be hard work, and jumping into that process with someone you trust makes it a lot easier.
 
When you start working with us at RFC, we will first complete an intake session, where we'll find out what your main concerns and goals are. After that, we'll be able to construct a game plan for how to best address those things. We will use the most effective strategies and tools from a number of different counseling approaches to target specific areas and move toward desired outcomes.
 
These strategies can include:
 • Charting out processes so that we can make sense of where things start to go wrong, and where they go right
 • Identifying patterns of communication that work better than those we usually rely on
 • Giving our emotions some airtime so that we can get clarity about a way forward
 • Applying mindful approaches to decision-making
 • Many, many others
 
You can look at each of our service pages to learn more about what counseling looks like for specific clients:
 • Counseling for Me(javascript:void(0))
 • Couples Counseling(javascript:void(0))
 • Counseling for My Family(javascript:void(0))
 • Premarital Counseling(javascript:void(0))
 • Counseling for Adolescents & Young Adults(javascript:void(0))
 • Online Counseling(javascript:void(0))
 • EMDR Therapy(javascript:void(0))

Question 3

What will our first session look like?

Accepted Answer

During our first "intake" session, we will be getting a sense of where we're starting, what your primary concerns are, and what our beginning goals will be.
 
What we will do:​
 • Talk about what brings you to counseling, and discuss your primary concerns & questions
 • Go through a standard questionnaire that screens for various symptoms and key issues
 • Discuss next steps and how we will begin to move toward your goals
Before your intake:
 • You will receive an email invitation to your secure client portal where you will find the documentation needed before we meet. This documentation must be completed no later than 24 hours before our first visit so that we can review your information as we get started.
 
By the end of our intake session, you should 1) have had a chance to tell us about your main goals or concerns, 2) have as many of your questions answered as we can, and 3) have a general sense of how the work we will do will help you get where you want to go.

Question 4

Will this take me a long time?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. In many cases, things can be effectively addressed in as few as 6-8 sessions (sometimes even less). Sometimes people choose to stay in counseling longer so that they can have opportunities to actively practice and process new skills they learn. People often find it can be helpful to have an unbiased third-party along for the ride when trying to make changes and keep those changes going. We have worked with many clients for a year or longer, who stay in touch for occasional check-ins or "tune-ups" when they feel it might be helpful.

Question 5

What should I look for in a counselor?

Accepted Answer

There are as many different types of counselors out there as you could want, so finding a counselor that you feel is both a good fit for you and an effective therapist can be a daunting process. At RFC, we work hard on the front end to make sure we can address both of those criteria. Below are a few good rules of thumb to consider when asking whether RFC (or a therapy resource elsewhere) is the right one for you:
1. Do you feel your therapist is someone you can trust?
2. Do you believe this person cares about your growth and progress?
3. Does your therapist think you can get better?
4. Does it feel like your counselor "speaks your language?"
5. Does this person make it easier for you to understand what you're exeriencing, how it works, and how to address it?
6. Do you have a clear sense of where your therapy is heading - in other words, has your therapist helped you identify some specific goals or targets?
7. Does your counselor ask for your input into the counseling process? Do they seem interested in finding out whether you think things are improving?
8. Can your therapist adjust tactics, directions, approaches, or other aspects of your work together to better address your concerns? If not, are they willing to help you find someone who's a better fit?
9. Does your counselor demonstrate self-awareness, or are they: showing a lack of awareness of how they are affecting you in sessions, or making session time feel like it's about them?
10. Is your therapist committed to using best practices that are based on research and proven clinical experience?
11. Does your counselor seem to be invested in their own personal and clinical growth, too?
If you're wondering whether RFC might be a good fit and would like more info, contact us today!(www.redfishcounseling.com/new-clients)

Question 6

Can I use my health insurance to cover counseling fees?

Accepted Answer

While there may be some differences between our providers, most of our therapists are in-network with most BCBSNC, Aetna, CBHA, and Medcost insurance plans. Clients who plan to use their insurance MUST verify their benefits and coverage before we can schedule a first session (we can help you do this). This allows us to know ahead of time what your out-of-pocket costs will be (co-pays, co-insurance, etc.). If you plan to use your insurance for services, you will need to send us your insurance information prior to your first appointment so that we can verify your coverage. You can also verify your benefits before contacting us (or after we set up a first appointment). Our Navigating Insurance Guide (https://www.redfishcounseling.com/service-rates-and-policies)will walk you through this process. 
 
If you are insured by another company, your healthcare plan may still provide coverage for out-of-network services. If you'd like to utilize your out-of-network benefits, we can provide you with a document called a "Superbill" that your insurance company will use to process any claims for reimbursement.
To find out if your insurance can help cover out-of-network service fees, you can call your insurance company and ask them the following questions:
 • Do I have out-of-network "mental health" or "behavioral health" insurance benefits?
 • What is my out-of-network deductible and has it been met for this year?
 • How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
 • What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
 • Is approval required from my primary care physician?
(Take a look at our Navigating Insurance Guide (https://www.redfishcounseling.com/service-rates-and-policies)for extra help, or contact us today.)(www.redfishcounseling.com/new-clients)

Question 7

What is Counseling going to cost me?

Accepted Answer

Out-of-pocket rates for therapy sessions are listed below:
 • $185 for 60-minute initial intake appointment
 • $165 for standard 53-57 minute individual appointments
 • $180 for 55-minute couples or family sessions
    • Limited reduced-fee service options may be available on a case-by-case basis
Click here (https://www.redfishcounseling.com/service-rates-and-policies)to read more about our fees, using insurance, and other RFC policies.
 
At Redfish Counseling, we believe that ultimately, investing in therapy is investing in yourself. We believe that if our services are a good match for you, then the sooner you begin that investment, the less it will cost you in the long run!
 
Consider it this way: Do you have enough strength or hope budgeted to comfortably keep going if things don't get any better? How many more arguments, panic attacks, moments of losing control, or sleepless nights can you afford before they start to affect your relationships, performance, or health? How much more might these things continue to cost you if they are not dealt with? It's possible things like these are already costing you enough - whether in your confidence, your family, your ability to manage daily life, your relationships, or your hope for the future.
 
Whatever your need may be, RFC exists to help people repair and restore their lives. If you're tired of paying into a problem in ways that don't produce any returns, let's talk.(javascript:void(0))

Question 8

What types of things do people talk about in counseling sessions?

Accepted Answer

Our counseling services can help you address many topics, including:
 • ADHD
 • Anger management
 • Anxiety (Generalized, Social, Panic Attacks, Obsessive Thoughts)
 • Attachment issues
 • Behavioral concerns
 • Career counseling & assessment
 • Conflict management
 • Confusion about life decisions or past events
 • Depression
 • Family of origin
 • Grief & loss
 • Improving communication
 • Insomnia
 • Mood disorders (Mood swings, Irritability, etc.)
 • Parenting
 • Personal development
 • Premarital counseling
 • Relationships
 • Spirituality
 • Stress & Adjustment concerns
 • Substance abuse concerns
 • Traumatic life experiences
 • Unresolved loss or hurt
See anything that you'd like to learn more about, or have questions about something not on this list? Contact us today (www.redfishcounseling.com/new-clients)to see how we can help.

Question 9

Ok, I'd like to get started with counseling. What do I do now?"

Accepted Answer

If you're ready to connect with us, you can:

Request a call from our office (https://www.redfishcounseling.com/new-clients)at a time that works for you using our convenient reservation tool

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Common questions about counseling