Counseling in Fort Myers

FAQs

What do I need to do to start the process of counseling?

The first thing to do is to call to set up your first time intake session with a therapist. The receptionist will schedule your first appointment and direct you to fill out the intake packet electronically that can be assessed from the the Client Page of the website. Once you finish filling out all your paperwork, you will submit it online. We ask you to submit it at least two days before your first appointment so the therapist has a chance to review it prior to your first session.
You will receive an email reminder a few days prior to your intake appointment and all other appointments after.
After your first intake session, you will also receive an email that will invite you to use the Client Portal. As a current client, you have the ability to check schedule availability, schedule your own appointment, update appointment reminder settings and much more from that portal. This can also be assessed through the Client Page of the website.
Both the Electronic Intake process and Client Portal are HIPAA compliant, confidential and secure.

How long is your counseling appointment?

The first intake appointment will last for 80 minutes. Normal appointments will last for 50 minutes.

What can I expect from my first intake session?

The therapist will have reviewed your paperwork prior to your first session. During the first session, the therapist will review your paperwork with you. They will answer any questions and ask questions to clarify paperwork. They will also review your presenting concerns, symptoms and history. They will try to listen attentively and stay balanced in hearing your concerns if you are attending as a couple. Prior to the session ending, the therapist will summarize what they understand of your concerns and begin to plan for the next session.

How does psychotherapy work?

Successful treatment is the result of three factors working together: Evidence-based treatment that is appropriate for your problem. The therapist's clinical expertise. Your characteristics, values, culture and preferences. When people begin psychotherapy, they often feel that their distress is never going to end. Psychotherapy helps people understand that they can do something to improve their situation. That leads to changes that enhance healthy behavior, whether it's improving relationships, expressing emotions better, doing better at work or school, or thinking more positively. While some issues and problems respond best to a particular style of therapy, what remains critical and important is the therapeutic alliance and relationship with your therapist.

How long does it take to develop a treatment plan and diagnosis?

It normally takes about a month from intake session for the therapist to do a thorough assessment and to develop a diagnosis and working treatment plan. They will then review the diagnosis and treatment plan with you.

What are your hours?

What is your cancellation policy?

We ask for a 24 hour notice of cancellation or you will be charged for the full session cost.

Do you offer a sliding fee scale?

Yes we offer a sliding fee scale based on income, number of dependents and availability of these limited reduced fee spots.

SWFL Christian Counseling 360 is a Christian counseling agency. What does that mean?

We are Christian therapists who come from different denominational backgrounds. As licensed professionals, we honor the personal beliefs and convictions of the clients we serve. Clients choose if and how they would like to incorporate their personal faith or spirituality into counseling.
Clients who identify as Christian and prefer not to discuss the Bible or Christian values, will feel comfortable.
When clients self identify as non - religious, non - spiritual and non - Christian they will also feel welcome and comfortable.

Do you pray with your clients or use the Bible in counseling?

Counseling treatment involves many aspects of the individual or family's beliefs and life experiences including a look at emotional, mental, spiritual, physical and relational health. Prayer, use of scripture and other resources are used upon the wishes of the client only.
Clients from non - Christian faiths find comfort and hope in prayer and religious writings.They can request that these be an active part of their counseling experience in the context of their personal faith. Non - religious clients can utilize their preferred resources to enhance their counseling experience.

How do I know if counseling will be helpful?

Research shows that counseling is very helpful for many people with a variety of problems. Hundreds of studies have found that psychotherapy helps people make positive changes in their lives. Reviews of these studies show that about 75 percent of people who enter psychotherapy show some benefit. Other reviews have found that the average person who engages in psychotherapy is better off by the end of treatment than 80 percent of those who don’t receive treatment at all.
Counseling is not a quick fix though, and requires a commitment on your part. You will need to first have a desire to change and this will require hard work from you at times. You will need to be patient in the counseling process because change can take some time.