Frequently Asked Questions
Confidentiality
Will anyone else ever find out about what we discussed in our sessions?
Confidentiality is one of the most important parts of our conversations together. You need to know that your words and personal issues are safe with me. There are three times, however, when I will alert authorities. By law, I am obligated to report:
- abuse of a child, an elderly person, or other dependent adult.
- any intention a client might have to hurt someone else physically.
- if I have reasonable cause to believe you will harm yourself.
Depression
HOW DO I KNOW IF I’M DEPRESSED?
Here is a quick little list to help you decide:
- Do I enjoy life less than I have in the past?
- Do I find myself increasingly secluding myself away from other people?
- Does the thought of going out to be with people seem exhausting?
- Have I experienced a change in appetite? (Either increased or decreased appetite from my norm)
- Have I experienced a change in sleeping habits? (Either sleeping all the time or struggling to sleep).
- Am I jumpy or nervous?
- Am I overwhelmed with feelings of hopelessness?
- Are close family members or friends noticing a change or telling me I am depressed? (People around you see it more clearly than you do. Listen to them!)
If I’ve been depressed once, will I struggle with depression for the rest of my life?
The thought that we may be depressed is a little terrifying. I’m not sure why. Is it because we’re afraid that once we admit to depression we have opened the door to a disease that will hover in the background for the rest of our lives? Let me put your mind at ease! If you have been diagnosed with depression, there are skills and tools that can make it a thing of your past…. truly to remain forever in your past.
Do I have to take medication if I’m depressed?
Absolutely not. No one can force you to take medication. There are a lot of lifestyle changes we can try that can make a huge difference. Even clients who are already taking medication find that after a while they can taper off dosage until they are medication-free. Although I am not against depression medication if you choose to take it, I believe that changes in our lifestyles and thinking patterns are more helpful for a long-lasting solution.
For Couples
Why does marriage seem to get harder?
Marriage is challenging because you wake up to a different person each day. We are all changing daily, having experiences that influence our ideas and ways of thinking. The trick to having an exciting marriage is to constantly share the ways in which you are each growing.
Why do we yell?
It is entirely normal for couples to disagree on a regular basis. Any relationship where sharing of ideas is encouraged will result in occasional (sometime frequent) disagreement. But why the yelling? Yelling to express disagreement is not necessary, and never enhances a relationship. So why do it?
Simply put… yelling is an indicator that you are feeling helpless. If my message, wishes, or opinion is not heard or validated, perhaps it will be understood if I say it LOUDER. When someone is angry, they very often put their hands on their hips. Have you ever wondered why? They do it to look BIGGER. People don’t need to sound louder or look bigger if they feel they are being heard and understood. Start hearing, validating, and asking for clarification from one another and the yelling will stop.
Simply put… yelling is an indicator that you are feeling helpless. If my message, wishes, or opinion is not heard or validated, perhaps it will be understood if I say it LOUDER. When someone is angry, they very often put their hands on their hips. Have you ever wondered why? They do it to look BIGGER. People don’t need to sound louder or look bigger if they feel they are being heard and understood. Start hearing, validating, and asking for clarification from one another and the yelling will stop.
Medication
Do you prescribe medication?
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). LPCs do not prescribe medication. Should I have the impression that you require medical assistance, I will encourage you to visit your medical doctor.
Are you against medication?
Absolutely not. I work with clients to use lifestyle changes and changes in their thinking to enhance effectiveness of medications. I have some clients who have found our tools so effective, that they are able to decrease medications. I am happy to work within the medical choices of my clients.
Office Visit
What’s it like in your office?
Casual! I often wear jeans to the office, and prefer that my clients come in their most comfortable clothing. I'm not trying to impress anyone, so there’s no need for you to either. There is no receptionist at a desk behind a glass window. Simply come in, sit down in the waiting room, and I’ll come and get you.
Can I walk in?
Unfortunately, you must have an appointment to visit with me. My appointments are 50 minutes long, and I schedule my clients carefully. If I'm at the office, I'm already seeing someone. Shoot me an appointment request, and I'll get back to you. It's really easy.
Spero Counseling
Why do you have “Spero Counseling” in your address?
Spero Counseling is a group of wonderful therapists who are all private business owners. We all have our own private practice names (mine is Cherry Hart, LPC, Inc), but choose to practice in the same office space together. “Spero” is Italian for hope.