Susan Koval, MA, NCC, LPC, CGCS

Being present with another person, couple, or family as they verbalize their truth, allows them to find support as they uncover their inner voice and helps them heal from within. It is a great responsibility to hear this talk, and point out the important nuances to help them recognize, own and move forward with a changed outlook.

In order to choose a therapist, a person has to show up at least one time and experience a conversation to gauge the connection. A person looking for a therapist is a consumer looking for a service and they deserve what they need. If I am not that person, that is okay, but they will then move forward with a better idea in mind about who they are looking for.

Absolutely. It has been my experience that a person can get by and "survive" alone, but when we lean on each other a little bit to help carry the load and just gain the experience of being heard, we allow ourselves to stretch a bit and live better. Human connection is basic and real and valuable. In today's fast paced, technology based world, the human personal connection factor is becoming more and more rare. In my own life, it has been the times when I took chances and opened up to another person that I was truly able to move through my challenges, take ownership and move on.

Doing therapy is not weakness. It is work! Moving through the therapeutic process leads the person to grow, gain confidence and be stronger in the face of any concern they have.

When a person contacts me with an interest in my therapy services, I try to get them scheduled as soon as possible. In the first session, we go through required paperwork and I listen to the person's story with undivided attention. We decide together if, and when to schedule a next appointment, a plan of action (a treatment plan) and I encourage the client to be in charge of deciding when they they need to come back and when they are done with therapy. I always hope that this is because they have become empowered in their own life and no longer need my help to keep moving forward with the issues that brought them to see me in the first place.