Frequently Asked Questions

---

Counseling isn't just for those with severe issues; it's beneficial for most people. Studies suggest that over 80% of individuals can benefit from counseling at some point in their lives. It's normal to seek counseling when facing specific concerns like anxiety, depression, stress, or relationship challenges. These challenges are common experiences for many people.

In counseling, you typically meet with a professional counselor regularly, usually for about 45 minutes (90 minutes for group sessions), once a week. During these sessions, you discuss your concerns with the counselor.

The main goal of counseling is to understand your habits and patterns of emotions and behavior that may be causing problems. By gaining insight into these patterns, you can learn new, more successful ways of approaching life. Many of these problematic patterns are so ingrained that we may not even recognize them as learned behaviors.

Counseling provides a supportive environment where you can learn about yourself, ultimately helping you improve your relationships with others and yourself. This process takes time, along with the guidance, observations, and support of the counselor.

Attending every counseling session is crucial for its effectiveness. If you need to miss an appointment due to illness or conflicting commitments, it's important to notify your counselor as early as possible to reschedule. Consistency in attending meetings contributes to the success of counseling.

To contact your counselor, call the center receptionist at 718.951.5363. The receptionist can connect you, take a message, or help reschedule your appointment if the counselor is unavailable at the moment. Typically, counselors can't be interrupted during sessions, but your counselor will return your call. Be sure to remember your counselor's name for reference.

Group therapy sessions typically comprise four to eight participants who meet weekly for approximately 90 minutes. Full attendance for the entire duration of each meeting is essential. During these sessions, participants openly discuss their concerns. Some groups involve individual work with input from others, while others emphasize observation and discussion among participants, with the counselor guiding as needed to facilitate the process.

Counseling acknowledges that individuals are unique, but they share common experiences and reactions. Despite diverse problems, underlying issues often stem from learned patterns and habits during formative years that no longer serve them well. The goal of counseling is to understand and change these patterns to improve one's life. Group therapy offers a unique environment for self-discovery and learning about interpersonal dynamics, which can enhance relationships both within and outside the group. Changing ingrained habits and patterns takes time, observation, and support.

Counseling acknowledges that individuals are unique, but they share common experiences and reactions. Despite diverse problems, underlying issues often stem from learned patterns and habits during formative years that no longer serve them well. The goal of counseling is to understand and change these patterns to improve one's life. Group therapy offers a unique environment for self-discovery and learning about interpersonal dynamics, which can enhance relationships both within and outside the group. Changing ingrained habits and patterns takes time, observation, and support.

Individual counseling is crucial for severe issues, but group counseling has proven to be highly effective for most problems. It offers the chance to realize that our deepest concerns and flaws are common human experiences, which can be reassuring. Many people hesitate due to embarrassment or shame, but group counseling can be instrumental in overcoming these feelings and leading to more successful lives by addressing shared experiences.