Pathways Christian Counseling

230 W. Sandusky St.,  Findlay, Ohio 45840

419-423-7812    419-423-9877 (fax)

Kimberly D. Butler, M.A., L.P.C.C.

 

Office Policies, Informed Consent and Service Agreement

 

Welcome to Pathways Christian Counseling!  We are pleased you have considered coming to us for counseling.  So that you better understand the counseling process and expectations, please read the following information before your first appointment.  Do not hesitate to ask any questions concerning this information during your session.

 

What can I expect at my first session?  During the 50 minute interview, you can expect your counselor to ask about your present concerns and background, answer any questions you may have, and discuss your goals and the beginning ways to achieve them.  Your counselor may ask you to read different books between appointments.  Some of these books are available at Pathways at a reduced cost. 

 

How Counseling Works:  Counseling is a mutual, collaborative process.  You and your counselor will work together to develop goals on which you want to work.  Your counselor cannot change you, but act as a facilitator.  Only you can change yourself.  You are responsible for  making the effort to work on the problems or issues that concern you.  Your counselor is committed to help you in this process.

When you are working with a counselor, it is important to honor the commitment you have made to meet with your counselor, and to take an active role.  For example, it is helpful if you: 1) spend time between scheduled sessions thinking about what you and your counselor have been discussing; 2) follow through on any actions you agreed to take; 3) take the initiative to bring up issues or topics to talk about with your counselor. 

Counseling works best when you and your counselor develop a good working relationship based on mutual trust, honesty and respect.  If you are experiencing any problems or difficulties relating to your counselor, we encourage you to discuss these with him/her and attempt to reach some resolution.  Sometimes you and your counselor may decide that it is best for you to meet with another therapist.

 

Counseling Outcomes:  No one can guarantee that counseling will produce certain results.  There are some risks associated with counseling.  For example, you may discover things about yourself that are uncomfortable; sometimes relationships change as a result of counseling; if you are discussing a traumatic event with your counselor, sometimes the feelings get more intense.  We can assure you that your counselor will use his/her professional skills to the best of his/her ability to address your concerns and help manage possible risks.

 

About Psychological Services:  No one can estimate how long it will take you to achieve benefit.  Some people come away from some sessions without feeling they have gained, but later things begin to fit into place.  Others gain from the start.  Some take a few steps forward, then retreat.  It is not unusual to resist making changes.  After all, you may have been the way you are for a long time.