Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started?

The best way to start the process is to call our Zeeland office at (616) 422-7945. We have intake coordinators ready to answer your questions and determine which of our counselors might be the best fit for you and your situation. Click here to read more about our counselors.

How can therapy help me?

Working with a counselor or therapist will help you manage personal struggles, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and challenges of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a complex problem or point you toward solutions. The full benefits depend on how engaged you are in the process and how much you put into practice.

Therapy can help you:

Gain a better understanding of yourself, your goals, and your values.

Learn how to improve your relationships.

Resolve the issues or concerns that prompted you to seek therapy.

Learn new coping strategies for stress, depression, and anxiety.

Manage your anger, grief, depression, and other emotions.

Improve your communication and listening abilities.

Replace old behavior patterns with new ones.

Find new solutions to problems in your family or marriage.

Increase your self-esteem and self-confidence.

Do I even need therapy? I can usually handle my problems on my own.

Some of life’s challenges we can manage on our own. But there's nothing wrong with seeking extra help when you need it. If you’re curious enough about therapy to be here, reading these FAQs, the problem you’re facing is likely bigger than you’ve faced before. The good news is that you don’t have to overcome it on your own. Give us a call at (616) 422-7945. We’ll be happy to talk about your situation and your goals.

What’s the difference between talking with you instead of my best friend or a family member?

A mental health professional can help you see your situation in a new light by teaching you new skills, providing a new perspective, listening to you without judgment or expectations, and showing you how to listen to yourself. Counseling is also completely confidential (something even best friends can fail to be). You will not have to be concerned about others knowing the details of your life.

Suppose your situation causes a lot of negative emotion, and you've confided in a friend or family member. There's a chance that once you're feeling better, you'll avoid that person so you won’t be reminded of this difficult time in your life. A trained, professional counselor can carry the weight of your story and be a supportive presence in your life without showing up at your social events or family gatherings.

Won’t people think I'm weak if I meet with a therapist?

That’s an understandable concern, even though needing help isn’t a weakness. Think of it this way: when you have a problem you can’t solve on your own, you often seek out help from a professional. You do this with your physical health by seeing a doctor, and you take your car to a mechanic when it isn’t running correctly. Sometimes we hire an expert to help us achieve longer-lasting results or provide some accountability — like a personal trainer or financial advisor. Seeing a therapist is not much different and more normal than you probably realize. Everyone needs help from time to time.

What is therapy like?

Therapy will be different depending on the individual. Your sessions will take place in our office. Each therapist has an office space designed to make you feel welcome and at ease. Most are set up like a den, with the therapist’s desk plus comfortable chairs. You often sit across from each other. If you’re coming for group therapy, you can choose to sit beside your companion or separate from them, however you prefer.

During your time together, you can discuss the events in your life today and events in your past. The conversation might include insights from the previous session and the success you’ve experienced. You should leave with helpful insights and strategies you can use daily for healing or personal development.
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Your therapist may suggest things you can do outside of therapy to support your process — reading a book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors, or taking action toward your goals.

How long is therapy?

Each session is typically 45–50 minutes long. Group sessions may be longer.
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Depending on your needs, you may meet twice a week, weekly, or twice a month.
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Therapy can be short term for a specific issue or longer term to deal with more difficult patterns. Your circumstances and healing journey will determine the length of time spent in therapy. You and your therapist will decide this together and may adjust over time.

What does the first session look like?

The first session will be with the Pivot therapist who is best suited to you and your circumstances. Your time together will include an assessment, where you and the therapist discuss how your current situation is out of alignment with your values. You’ll talk about any relevant history and how you hope your life will be different in the future. You’ll also review office policies and confidentiality expectations.
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Having a positive working relationship with your therapist is critical, so we recommend that you and your therapist meet 2–3 times before deciding whether or not to continue the relationship. If your therapist believes that someone else may be better suited to work with you, they will refer you to a specialist or a trusted colleague.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

I'm glad you're committed to making the most of your sessions. Your active involvement and dedication will be critical to your success. The people who experience the most benefit are ready to make positive changes and take responsibility for their lives.
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Show up on time to each session, ready to jump in with what is most pressing to you, and your therapist will guide you from there.

Why do people attend therapy sessions?

Counseling helps you feel more in control of your life and will give you the tools you need to make better decisions or changes in your lives. People seek therapy for various reasons, including stress management or a specific diagnosis. An event may prompt you to seek help, or you may attend therapy because it provides a trained, objective person to assist you in working through issues you may have been struggling with for years.
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Therapy is for people who are self-aware enough to recognize they need help, which is admirable. You are accepting responsibility for where you are in life and committing to changing the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-term benefits and support by equipping you with the tools to avoid triggers, re-direct harmful patterns, and overcome challenges.

Cutting Room

We'll work together to identify your strengths and how to use them to lessen the impact of your struggles.

If you still have more questions, call our office. We’ll be happy to answer all your questions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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