FAQ’s

What types of problems do people typically come to counseling  services with?
It is a common misconception to think only seriously ill or “crazy” people need counseling help. Studies show that over eighty percent of people can benefit from counseling at some time in their lives. So, it is normal to need counseling when special concerns or difficult feelings arise. Most people have a problem with anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, etc., at some point. People of all ages come to counseling with a range of problems. Many have issues related to their normal development such as identity or relationship issues. Others are dealing with more specific psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, bereavement, substance abuse, or eating and body image issues. Some are not sure what the problem might be, but just know they are not functioning or feeling the way they normally do. They might notice having a harder time working, studying, eating or sleeping too little or too much, or otherwise just not meeting their day-to-day obligations. A counselor can help others sort out what is wrong in order to help get them back on track, so don’t put off seeking counseling or therapy. If you are considering it, this is an indication that you probably could benefit from the experience.

What happens in counseling?
You will meet with your counselor regularly for an agreed amount of time at the same time once each week. At these meetings, you will discuss your concerns and often provide some historical information. Counseling is a collaborative effort between the counselor and client. Professional counselors help clients identify goals and potential solutions to problems which cause emotional turmoil; seek to improve communication and coping skills; strengthen self-esteem; and promote behavior change and optimal mental health. Through counseling you examine the behaviors, thoughts and feelings that are causing difficulties in your life. You learn effective ways to deal with your problems by building upon personal strengths and learning ways to encourage personal growth and foster your interest and welfare. It is not unusual to feel nervous or uncomfortable at first, but this usually dissipates as your counselor helps you talk about your concerns.

How do I set up an appointment with Kerry?
You can call Kerry at (512) 931-9267  (please no texts) and schedule through her or her assistant. You can also send an email to kerry@kerryfaudree.com

Will my health insurance cover counseling?
Kerry does not accept insurance, but will provide an invoice that some insurance companies will use to cover all or a portion of the services.

How much does counseling cost?
Kerry charges $225 for a 90 minute session, which is the suggested length of time for new clients. Kerry’s open to discussing rates that match your financial requirements, so feel free to initiate a conversation regarding costs. Consultation for family program development and group facilitation varies depending on several factors. Kerry will tailor an estimate based on the needs, so please contact Kerry with your request for an estimate.

What happens in the first appointment? 
You will meet with Kerry for an initial assessment, then once each week depending on the goals. At these meetings, you will discuss your intentions and concerns with Kerry. The goal of counseling is to learn about our habits and patterns of feeling and behavior and how they cause us problems. We can then learn new habits and patterns which will be more successful for us. Although it seems strange to think that we might not know ourselves completely, experience has shown that many of the problem-causing habits and patterns are things we have done all our life and are so automatic that we don’t even think about them as learned or optional behavior.  Counseling provides a special setting in which we can learn about ourselves. This can help us to be more effective in our relationships with others and with ourselves. It takes time, helpful observations and support to recognize and change our ways of living.

Will I need to take medications? 
Kerry does not prescribe or advise on the use of medications. Many emotional and psychological issues can be successfully treated without the use of medications. If you and your counselor decide that medications should be considered as an adjunct to counseling, your counselor will discuss referral options with you.  You will need to see a physician (such as a psychiatrist) to be prescribed any medications. It is important to let your counselor know about any medications you have already been prescribed.

What do I look for when I talk with the counselor on the phone before the session and/or in our first sessions?
The most important question is the one you will ask yourself: How do I feel about this person? Do they seem comfortable and compatible for me? Do they seem empathetic? Naturally, you will feel somewhat anxious with any first meeting with any counselor you meet, but there will be differences in your feelings toward each. Pay attention to these feelings. Also, don’t ignore your feelings. If you have a creepy or uncomfortable feeling, bring it up to the therapist or choose someone else—but don’t give up!  One size does not fit all and sometimes it takes “trying on” a few therapists to find the right fit.

Is everything I say confidential?
Kerry will provide highly ethical services and go beyond traditional requirements to protect the confidentiality of their communications with her clients. Most state licensure laws also protect client confidentiality. As a client, you are guaranteed the protection of confidentiality within the boundaries of the client/counselor relationship. Any disclosure will be made with your full written, informed consent and will be limited to a specific period of time. Certain laws provide the following exceptions to confidentiality, but even in these circumstances you will be informed before confidential information is revealed whenever possible:

If the counselor has knowledge of abuse of a child, elder, or a person with a disability.
If the counselor has knowledge of intent to harm himself/herself or others.
If the counselor receives a court order to the contrary.

How can I get the most out of my counseling sessions?
You can maximize the progress you make in counseling by being actively involved in the work you and Kerry are doing. Some suggestions include:

Be on time and try not to miss any of your scheduled meetings, consistency is important with counseling
Between sessions, make time to think about the things you have discussed with Kerry. Journaling about topics discussed can be helpful and some homework may be necessary to realize the complete benefit.
Invest in following through on any homework assignments, readings, or books your counselor has suggested for you
Be as honest and open with your counselor as possible.

How long will you keep my records on file? 
We follow the state and national guidelines for retaining confidential records.

Should I consult my physician first before being seen?
Consult your doctor for a check-up before counseling to make sure your condition is not due to or made worse by a physical disorder can be a good step. Many illnesses can affect mood, concentration and so forth. Some conditions (e.g., depression or severe anxiety) require treatment with medication. Kerry might suggest or refer you to a psychiatrist for a medication consultation, especially if she notices sign of your condition warrants.

How do I know when I am done with counseling?
Consider the first few sessions as a trial period. It usually takes at least two-three sessions to begin to experience progress, depending on your problems and issues. Progress is usually inhibited by changing from one counselor to another frequently. In considering when to discontinue treatment, ask yourself whether the problems that caused you to seek counseling have been resolved and whether any additional problems or issues have come to your attention that you may wish to resolve. Also consider the advice of your counselor. A frank discussion of the advisability of terminating treatment is usually useful. Remember that no decision about counseling or psychotherapy is irrevocable. While you may seek advice from others, decisions to begin and end treatment and the choice of counselor are yours alone.

If I think my friend needs help, how do I get him or her to meet with Kerry?
It can be very difficult when someone you care about is in pain. You might find yourself feeling helpless, frightened, frustrated or angry. It is very hard to make a person seek help if they don’t want to or don’t feel they need it, and counseling with an unwilling client is usually not very effective.  Here are some things you might offer as a friend:

 Let your friend know that you are concerned. Suggest that he or she schedule an appointment with Kerry to see if she can help. Try to phrase the communication using “I’ language, rather than “you” language. For example, “I care about you and I am sad to see you are hurting” rather than “You are in trouble and need help.”
Offer to sit with your friend while he/she makes an appointment.
Offer to accompany your friend to their first appointment, and either wait in the waiting area or go to the appointment with him/her.
Call or contact Kerry to discuss your concerns regarding the family member or friend. You will not need to tell Kerry your friend’s name, and you do not necessarily even need to let your friend know you came in. Kerry may offer you suggestions about how to interact more effectively with this friend, to manage your own feelings about the situation.
Surf the web or the bookstore for information about your friend’s problem(s), and pass it along to your friend. Invite him/her to compare reactions with you about the information, or talk about the information directly with Kerry.

However, remember that you cannot force anyone to get help, you can only encourage, support and offer resources. If you find become too involved or your friend’s problems are overwhelming you and affecting your life or work negatively, please contact Kerry for a consultation and for your own support.

What is a Family Program?
Addiction affects the entire family. At most treatment centers, they treat both the individual suffering from addiction and the loved ones whose lives have been profoundly impacted by the disease. Kerry believes that education and support empower families to improve their own quality of life while also enhancing the chances for successful recovery for the person with addiction.

Family Programs Include:

Family therapy sessions  include engagement with family members in the treatment process through regular family therapy sessions. For those who are unable to visit the treatment center, phone conferencing is sometime available.
Family education programs provide valuable information to families about the treatment process, the disease of addiction and relapse prevention tools. Families receive professional support as opportunities to interact with other families experiencing similar issues.
Family weekends offer group therapy sessions, educational seminars, and quality time with loved ones. These visits allow family members to get updates on their loved one’s progress and develop a better understanding of how to support their loved one in recovery and how to get the support they need during this difficult time.
Support groups  can give families’ professional support, guidance, and interaction with other families experiencing similar issues.

The definition of family has changed over the years, from the standard parents and children to a family unit including friends and loved ones. The Family Program embrace whom ever the clients define as family and welcome those individuals to participate in the program.