FAQs | Purposely Crafted

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I pick the right counselor?

With the initial phone call you will begin to get a feel for the counselor. The initial session will not only allow the counselor to become more familiar with you, but will also allow you to get to know your counselor. You will want to pay attention to how comfortable you feel with the counselor and how confident you feel that he or she understands you. You should feel that your concerns are being treated seriously and compassionately. If you do not feel comfortable after your first session, you may want to find another counselor. Just as in any relationship, you want to feel compatible and a “click” with your counselor.

How long will I go to counseling?

Depending on your goals, this will vary. Some choose to come in for a few quick sessions to work on small goals, areas where they feel stuck, or to prepare for an upcoming life transition, like marriage, a new job, or becoming a parent. Others come in to work on deeper issues which may take longer to address.

What is substance abuse?

"Substance abuse is the medical term used to describe a pattern of using a substance (drug) that causes significant problems or distress. This may be missing work or school, using the substance in dangerous situations, such as driving a car. It may lead to substance-related legal problems, or continued substance use that interferes with friendships, family relationships, or both. Substance abuse, as a recognized medical brain disorder, refers to the abuse of illegal substances, such as marijuana, heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine. Or it may be the abuse of legal substances, such as alcohol, nicotine, or prescription medicines."

John Hopkins Medicine Health

How can I make the most out of my therapy?

Counseling works best when you are “working with” your counselor. It is important to share your thoughts and feelings as openly and honestly as possible. This can sometimes be difficult, as most of us naturally censor our thoughts and words without realizing it. This may be because we feel they are inappropriate, embarrassing, rude, or bad. It is important for your counselor to help you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts so that you can make the most of your time in counseling.

Will couples therapy help my relationship?

Yes. Couples counseling has been shown to improve the quality of a marriage relationship and increase satisfaction. I find couples counseling is most helpful if both are willing to invest in the therapeutic process. In counseling, I will help explore and strengthen your connection, identify and manage major stressors in your relationship, and reestablish hope. The goal of couple sessions will be to create goals/plans for your future together while working to understand how recovery impacts the relationships.

What is substance dependency?

"Substance dependence is the medical term used to describe abuse of drugs or alcohol that continues even when significant problems related to their use have developed. Signs of dependence include:

Tolerance to or need for increased amounts of the drug to get an effect
Withdrawal symptoms that happen if you decrease or stop using the drug that you find difficult to cut down or quit
Spending a lot of time to get, use, and recover from the effects of using drugs
Withdrawal from social and recreational activities
Continued use of the drug even though you are aware of the physical, psychological, and family or social problems that are caused by your ongoing drug abuse"