Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a student to be seen at this clinic?

No.  Our clinic is open to everyone, regardless of enrollment status.

Are there any types of clients or concerns that you do not see?

Yes.  We do not see clients who are under the age of 18, actively suicidal, court-referred, seeking couple’s or family therapy, or who have an active psychotic condition.  Additionally, we do not allow parents, other family members, or friends to make appointments on behalf of someone else.

I’m thinking about suicide.  What should I do?

Fleeting thoughts about death and suicide can be very common.  If you are unsure whether you can remain safe, go to your nearest emergency room or call any of the following numbers:

• 911
• Call, text or chat 988 (National Suicide Hotline)
• 1-866-488-7386 (The Trevor Project - LGBTQ+ Suicide Hotline)
• 330-434-9144 (Portage Path Suicide / Crisis Hotline)

I’m not sure my concern is important enough to go to therapy…

If it’s a big deal to you, it’s a big deal to us!  If you are unsure whether therapy is right for you, we invite you to schedule an appointment and meet with one of our therapists to discuss your concerns and how they can best be addressed.  If you decide that the therapy process isn’t a good fit for you, we’ll help you find the services you need.

What does it mean to be a training clinic?

Our clinic is staffed by doctoral students in counseling psychology who are supervised bylicensed psychologists.  We understand that some clients may feel more comfortable seeing a more experienced therapist.  If this is the case, we would be happy to provide you with referrals to trusted community providers.  However, we also believe that our role as a training clinic provides several advantages for clients.  First, our therapists are also students, which means they are engaged in a process of ongoing learning and using the most current interventions to address a range of concerns.  Second, our therapists see fewer clients than most outside providers, so we can give each client the individualized care and attention that they deserve.  Finally, while your therapist may be the only one in the room with you during your counseling appointments, wetake a team approach to client care.  Each therapist has an individual supervisor who reviews tapes of counseling sessions and all clinical records to ensure every client is getting the best care possible.  All therapists are also enrolled in a clinical practicum class during which they may consult with their colleagues and group supervisors about client concerns.  Every member of our clinic staff is bound by the same standards of confidentiality as your therapist.

What level of training do the clinicianshave?

Each of our therapists must undergo extensive training and observation by a licensed psychologist before being approved to see clients at our clinic.All our therapists are in graduate training to obtain a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. Some of ourclinicians have already obtained a master’s degree.

How does confidentiality work?

Everything you discuss with your therapist stays between the two of you, with a few exceptions.  Because we’re a training clinic, your therapist’s supervisor will have access to all clinical records.  Your therapist may also consult with other staff at our clinic to ensure that you are receiving the best care possible.  There are certain situations when we are legally obligated to break confidentiality.  These include when a client poses an imminent danger to themselves or another person, if the therapist learns of any ongoing abuse of a child, older adult, or person with a developmental disability, or if release of treatment records is court-ordered. Unless one of these conditions is met, we cannot break confidentiality (even if you tell us about other illegal activity).  Your school, employer, family, etc. will not even know that you are in therapy unless you sign a Release of Information giving permission to disclose that information. If you have further questions about the limits of confidentiality, you may ask your therapist at any point during the therapy process.

Will my appointments be recorded?

All client appointments are required to be videotaped as acondition for being treated at our clinic.  All recordings are stored on a secure server that may only be accessed by clinic staff, and all recordings are automatically deleted after 120 days.  These recordings are used exclusively for supervision and training purposes, and help to ensure that you are getting the best possible care. Furthermore, these recordings may only be viewed by clinic staff.  Every member of our clinic staff is bound by the same standards of confidentiality as your therapist.

What is the therapy process like?

The therapy process will not look the same for everyone.  Your experience will depend on the concerns you bring to therapy, your therapist’s style, and your personal preferences.  Some clients may want to complete worksheets, some want to learn relaxation techniques and coping skills, and some just want a space to talk about their concerns.  Each session is unique, but what they all have in common is that they’re a place to share thoughts and express emotions in a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment.  We encourage our clients to take an active role in shaping their therapy experience, and each of our therapists aim to be flexible and responsive to your individual circumstances and needs.

What is the therapeutic relationship like?

Therapy feels a lot different from talking to a friend. You’ll notice that your therapist probably won’t talk about themselves much—if at all.  Therapy is about you.  You can also share without fear of being judged, losing the relationship, or having your privacy violated.  The pace of conversations may feel different too.  Pauses and silences are normal in therapy.  While physicians use a stethoscope, our most important tool is the therapeutic relationship.

Does coming to therapy mean that I’m crazy, weak, or a failure?

Not at all!  We believe that nearly everyone can benefit from therapy.  This belief is reflected in the description of our field from the Society of Counseling Psychology, “The practice of Counseling Psychology encompasses a broad range of culturally-sensitive practices that help people improve their well-being, alleviate distress and maladjustment, resolve crises, and increase their ability to function better in their lives. With its attention to both normal developmental issues and problems associated with physical, emotional, and mental disorders, the specialization holds a unique perspective in the broader practice-based areas of psychology.”

When will I start feeling better?

This will depend on many factors.  Therapy may not always be a “quick fix.” Just like recovering from surgery, the healing process might be painful.  Sometimes, you might feel like you’re taking two steps forward and one step back.  These are normal parts of the process.  When you start the therapy process, you will work with your therapist to create treatment goals and discuss how you can work together to achieve those goals.