FAQs

I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. At Molleston Luke Counseling, we help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you or your family are facing.

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs.

How long will it take?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish your goals, whether individually or as a family, depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek counseling in the first place.

What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is to children what counseling is to adults. When adults have problems, it often helps for them to share their thoughts and feelings with a trusted friend or therapist. Children do not have the ability to express themselves with words as adults do, so it is difficult for them to verbalize what is troubling them. Play therapy allows children to communicate through play (their most natural form of expression) their thoughts and feelings, and their needs and desires. With the help of a trained Play Therapist, children can learn to understand themselves and their world better, work to resolve their problems, and develop coping skills to better deal with life.

What can I expect from Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a process of the therapist building a trusting relationship with a child, the child revealing and/or working through his/her problems, coming to a resolution, practicing new skills, and then preparing for termination. Behavior and mood changes are normal and expected throughout the process of play therapy. At times, it may seem as though things are getting worse and not better. This can be expected and is very normal. Additionally, in play therapy, the therapist will not “pump” the child for information about their life or any traumatic incident. Children are allowed to work through their problems at their own pace. There is much more freedom in the play therapy room than is allowed in other areas of the child’s life. During the therapy session, every thought, feeling and almost all behaviors of the child are accepted. The freedom that is allowed in the playroom is necessary so that the child feels accepted, safe and trusting enough to reveal, and work through their fears and problems. In the play therapy setting, typical behaviors for which limits are set are ones which may cause harm to the child, the therapist, or the playroom toys and equipment. Limits are important in that they help the child feel safe and secure in his/her environment. Limit setting, along with appropriate choice giving, also helps the child learn self-control, and increases the child’s self esteem.

How often and how long must my child come for Play Therapy?

Each child moves through the therapy process at a different pace, and so the length of time a child needs to attend play therapy will vary according to the child’s personality, severity of the trauma, and home and life circumstances. Since children grow and develop best when they have structure and consistency, in order for your child to gain the most benefit from play therapy, it is important that the sessions be consistent. Therefore, it is crucial that you bring your child to his/her regularly scheduled therapy sessions.

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