FAQ

Do I really need therapy?

I don’t know! I mean, I really don’t, because I haven’t met you yet. But most people can benefit from having a therapist, rather than just seeing a friend or talking to a parent or mentor, because therapists are trained to help people through very difficult situations. We are also trained to be unbiased and objective, and we are trained to be attentive to the impact that your past can have on your life, such as being trauma-informed, attachment-based, or a combination. And because we are looking at things from the “outside,” rather than being an active participant, you can feel confident in divulging things to us that you might otherwise feel compelled to keep a secret because of how it might impact your relationships.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes. Usually. Therapy is inherently confidential, but there are some exceptions. Namely, if I have any safety concerns about you or others, I need to tell the proper people. So if you share that you are thinking about hurting yourself or hurting someone else (so suicidal or homicidal plans), or if you report that a child or vulnerable adult is being hurt, I need to report that. But otherwise, yes, everything is kept confidential.

Couples who come to family therapy will have their notes in the same file. That file will be accessible by either party, as it is a shared file. For this reason, I do not keep secrets as a policy but help each partner disclose what needs to be shared to the other partner. Exceptions can be made in cases of interpersonal violence or substance abuse where there is a safety concern between the couple.

What is therapy like?

Counseling often spends a lot of time looking at how you got to where you are. Looking at your past and your family of origin helps us understand why your symptoms exist and and how they function, and how to treat it appropriately so you can move forward. Coaching is focused much more on your thoughts and emotions.

Do you work with children or teens?

I do not work with anyone under the age of 13.

How long is treatment?

I always tell my clients that my goal is for them to not be in therapy for the rest of their life. Counseling clients often receive services for about a year (sometimes less, sometimes more).

I don’t live in the Twin Cities. Can I still work with you?

Yes, telehealth is an option for clients. Counseling clients need to live in Minnesota.

What does your practice’s name mean?

It’s taken from the phrase “I am greater than my highs and lows.”

Still on the fence? Ready to get to work? Either way, I would love to hear from you! Call me at 651-412-4993 or email allison@greaterthancc.com.