Frequently Asked Questions
What is Counseling?
Counseling is a therapeutic process where trained professionals, known as counselors, clinicians, psychotherapists, or therapists, provide a safe and confidential environment for individuals to discuss their concerns, emotions, and challenges. Through open conversations, clinicians help people explore their thoughts and feelings, gain insights into their behaviors, and develop strategies to manage difficulties and improve their overall mental well-being. Counseling can address a wide range of issues, including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief, trauma, and personal growth. It aims to provide support, guidance, and tools to help individuals cope with life's challenges and make positive changes.
Does Counseling Work?
Yes, counseling can be effective in addressing various emotional and mental challenges. However, the success of counseling largely depends on the client's active participation and commitment to the process. While counselors provide guidance, tools, and a safe space, it's crucial for clients to actively engage in self-reflection, follow through with recommended strategies, and practice new skills outside of sessions. The effort and willingness to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors contribute significantly to achieving positive outcomes. Counseling is a collaborative journey, where both the counselor's expertise and the client's active involvement play key roles in its success.
Is Counseling Right for Me? Do I Need Counseling?
Q: How do I know if counseling is the right choice for me?
A: Counseling can be beneficial for a wide range of situations. Consider counseling if you're facing challenges that affect your well-being, relationships, or daily functioning. If you're struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, or personal growth, counseling could provide valuable support.
Q: What are signs that I might benefit from counseling?
A: You might benefit from counseling if you're experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or overwhelming emotions. Difficulty managing stress, significant life changes, strained relationships, and a desire for personal development are also indicators that counseling could be helpful.
Q: Can counseling help with specific issues?
A: Yes, counseling is designed to address a wide range of issues. Whether you're dealing with mental health challenges, relationship problems, or personal growth goals, a counselor can provide guidance, tools, and strategies to navigate these issues.
Q: What if I'm unsure about counseling?
A: It's normal to feel uncertain about counseling. Consider having an initial consultation with a counselor to discuss your concerns and explore whether counseling aligns with your needs and goals.
Q: How can counseling benefit me?
A: Counseling offers a safe and confidential space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and challenges. It provides an opportunity to gain insights into your behaviors, develop coping strategies, and work towards positive change. Counseling can enhance your emotional well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Q: What if I've tried other methods but still struggle?
A: If you've tried other approaches without experiencing significant improvement, counseling could offer a different perspective and additional tools to address your concerns.
Q: Can I just talk to friends or family instead?
A: While talking to friends and family can be supportive, counselors offer professional expertise and an objective perspective. They are trained to guide you through challenges without personal bias.
Remember, the decision to pursue counseling is a personal one. Trust your instincts and consider seeking professional guidance if you believe counseling could help improve your well-being and quality of life.
Will Counseling 'Fix' Me?
Counseling is not about "fixing" you, but rather about providing support, guidance, and tools to help you navigate challenges, gain insights, and make positive changes in your life. It's important to understand that everyone has strengths and areas for growth, and counseling assists you in building on those strengths and addressing areas that you'd like to improve. The goal is not perfection, but rather personal growth, improved coping skills, and a better understanding of yourself and your emotions. The effectiveness of counseling depends on your active participation, willingness to explore, and commitment to the process of change.
How do I Make the Most of My Counseling Experiance?
To make the most of your counseling experience, consider these steps:
1. **Open Communication:** Be honest and open with your counselor about your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. This will help them understand you better and tailor their approach to your needs.
2. **Set Goals:** Define clear goals you want to achieve through counseling. This gives you and your counselor a direction to work towards and track progress.
3. **Active Participation:** Engage actively in sessions by asking questions, sharing your insights, and being willing to explore uncomfortable topics.
4. **Practice Outside Sessions:** Apply the strategies and coping skills discussed in sessions to your daily life. Consistent practice enhances their effectiveness.
5. **Be Patient:** Progress takes time. Don't expect immediate results. Be patient with yourself and the process.
6. **Open Mindset:** Be open to new perspectives and ideas that your counselor may offer. Sometimes, a shift in mindset can lead to positive changes.
7. **Consistency:** Attend sessions regularly and on time. Consistency builds momentum and helps maintain the therapeutic momentum.
8. **Self-Reflection:** Take time between sessions to reflect on what you've discussed and what you've learned about yourself.
9. **Feedback:** Provide feedback to your counselor about what's working and what could be improved. This fosters a collaborative relationship.
10. **Self-Care:** Incorporate self-care activities into your routine to support your emotional well-being alongside counseling.
Remember, your commitment and active involvement significantly contribute to the effectiveness of counseling.
How do I become a LifeWorks Client
There are several ways to become a LifeWorks client.
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- You can call (603) 556-4360.
- You can clink this link to EMAIL.
- You may visit: Become a LifeWorks Client.
What is the Process to Become a LifeWorks Client?
- Connect with LifeWorks to become a new client. The administrators will send you a link to access the client portal.
- Log into your client portal and complete the required forms and provide required personal and insurance related information and documentation.
- After the information is collected, the admin staff will contact you to schedule your first appointment.
Do you offer Telehealth Therapy
Yes. LifeWorks is exclusively a telehealth counseling practice.
Is Telehealth Effective Counseling?
Telehealth counseling has been found to be effective in providing mental health support. Research indicates that telehealth counseling yield outcomes similar to in-person sessions for a wide range of emotional and psychological issues. It offers the convenience of receiving therapy from the comfort of one's own space, which can reduce barriers like transportation and scheduling conflicts. However, the effectiveness of telehealth counseling depends on factors such as the quality of the therapeutic relationship, the client's comfort with technology, and the nature of the concern being addressed. Both the counselor and the client need to adapt to the virtual format, ensuring clear communication and a conducive environment. Overall, telehealth counseling can be a valuable option for those seeking mental health support, offering flexibility while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
What if I Have an Emergency?
If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, please immediately call 911.
LifeWorks does not offer emergency or after hours serves.
Do you offer In-Person Counseling
No. All sessions are online telehealth.
How Do I Choose A Clinician?
LifeWorks has an exceptional team of clinicians with diverse knowledge and expertise. After you have filled out your intake forms, the administrators will match you with the best clinician for your needs and for who you are as a person. You may read about LifeWorks clinicians by clicking here, and if one resonates with you, you may request him or her, if they have availability.
Does LifeWorks Have Bi-Lingual Counselors?
Yes. LifeWorks has several bi-lingual English, Spanish speaking clinicians.
What is LifeWorks Inclusivity Philosophy Regarding BIPOC & LGBTQ+ Persons?
When providing support to individuals who identify as BIPOC or LGBTQ+, it's essential to see them holistically – not just as representatives of a particular cultural or identity group. Treating them as unique human beings with individual experiences, aspirations, and challenges helps build a more genuine and empathetic therapeutic relationship. Acknowledging their cultural background and identity is important, but it's equally crucial to understand that these aspects are only part of their multifaceted identity. By recognizing their complete personhood, you create an inclusive and affirming space that respects their complexity and individuality. We are all Human Beings!
Is Online Counseling Safe & Secure?
Yes. SimplePractice, the medical records, appointments, and telehealth system that we use is encrypted and secure and complies with HIPAA and is HITRUST certified. Rest assured that all your information is stored securely. For more information, CLICK HERE
What Do I Need to do Telehealth
To engage in telehealth services, you need an electronic device capable of connecting to the Internet and streaming live video. You can use a smart phone, tablet, laptop, or a desktop computer. You will also need a strong Internet connection.
Can I keep My Appointments when I Travel?
CONTENTION US TRAVEL: Maybe... Each state has its own laws and regulations around telehealth. Some states allow the client and or the clinician to be in their state, and still engage in counseling services, while other states do not. If you are planning on traveling in the US, please let your clinician know, and they can help figure out whether you can keep your appointments when traveling or not.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL: No. You are not able to keep your counseling appointments if you were traveling outside the continental US.
Why Do You Need A Copy of My Dirver's License
Drivers licenses are a requirement for several reasons within the context of counseling services. Firstly, they help ensure client safety by providing a form of identification that can be verified. This is important for both in-person and virtual sessions, as it helps confirm the identity of the client and the accuracy of their personal information. Additionally, knowing the client's location and identity can contribute to a safer and more secure environment.
Furthermore, requiring drivers licenses can also serve as a measure to combat insurance fraud. Verifying a client's identity through official documentation helps prevent fraudulent claims and ensures that the individual seeking counseling is genuinely eligible for the services covered by their insurance policy. This helps maintain the integrity of the counseling process and ensures that resources are allocated appropriately to those who genuinely need support.
Overall, the requirement of drivers licenses not only enhances client safety but also plays a role in maintaining transparency, accountability, and ethical standards within the counseling profession.
Does LifeWorks Accept Insurance?
Yes. LifeWorks accepts most NH insurances.
What is an Insurance Explanation of Benefits Verification?
An explanation of benefits [EOB] is a process to ascertain and verify what the insurance company will cover and what is your responsibility. LifeWorks will preliminarily run a verification and pre-qualify you for counseling services. However, we advise and highly encourage you to call your insurance company to verify your benefits personally. Ultimately, you are responsible for your healthcare financial obligations, regardless if the insurance pays.
How Much Do Counseling Sessions Cost?
Your individual insurance plan sets the reimbursement for your services, and pays that reimbursement directly. You may have deductibles, cost shares, or co-pays that you are responsible for paying directly. It is important that you call your insurance company and verify your benefits and know specifically what your auto pocket cost will be, if any.
There is self-pay option for clients who do not have insurance.
We offer a sliding fee scale for qualifying individuals without insurance.
The administrative staff will be happy to discuss prequalification and payment options. Please remember that ultimately you are responsible for all your healthcare costs.
Am I Responsible For Paying For Counseling?
You hold the primary responsibility for settling your financial obligations. Regardless of whether your insurance covers the costs, you are entirely accountable for all your healthcare expenses. Understanding your benefits and the amount you might need to pay directly is crucial. LifeWorks strongly recommends reaching out to your insurance provider directly to comprehend your benefits and the extent of your financial responsibility.
In the event that your insurance coverage becomes invalid due to any reason, you will be invoiced for all sessions and will bear full responsibility for fulfilling the associated financial obligations.
Why Do I Need A Credit Card on File?
It is LifeWorks policy that all clients have an active credit card on file. Payment is due at the time of service, so your credit card on file is used to charge any clinical or administrative fees. Clinical fees are associated with your actual counseling sessions, and include but are not limited to co-pays and deductibles and services your insurance will not or does not cover. Administrative fees include consultation, collaboration, or paperwork needed that is beyond the scope of clinical counseling, and session fees for not attending your scheduled meeting.
Financial Responsibility Explained. Counseling is Not Free.
Regrettably, there's a common misconception around this topic, and it's important to clear the air. Contrary to what some might think, counseling services do involve a financial aspect for clients. At the heart of it, counseling agencies are businesses, and the professionals providing the service invest a great deal of time and expertise into their practice. This is their livelihood, just like any other profession.
Think of it as a partnership: when you book a session, you're securing dedicated time and expertise. Just as you'd pay for groceries before you leave the store, a counseling session involves a commitment, and the time allocated has value. Imagine a scenario where people walked out of a grocery store without paying – that would understandably raise eyebrows. The same principle applies to counseling; your time with a clinician is a shared responsibility.
Consider this from the clinician's perspective. Years of education, training, and dedication go into building a successful practice. Just like any job, they deserve to be compensated for their time, effort, and expertise. Imagine if part of your income depended on providing a certain number of sessions each week, and then multiple appointments were unattended or unpaid. It can significantly impact a clinician's ability to sustain their practice and support their family.
The bottom line is this: your healthcare, including the financial aspect, is your responsibility. It's vital to understand your insurance benefits, keep them up-to-date, and communicate any changes to us. Just as you would with any other commitment, the responsibility lies with you to honor your appointments and manage your financial obligations. It's a partnership built on trust, respect, and a mutual understanding of the value that each party brings to the table.