Stories help us make sense of the world. Sometimes, we become trapped in old stories which can leave us feeling stuck. To move forward in life, we must rewrite the narratives that no longer serve us. Narrative therapy at Blue Box is a bit like writing your own choose-your-own-adventure novel. You get to choose how the story ends!

What makes therapy at Blue Box Counseling & Wellness different from other therapy providers?

Many therapists believe that it’s important to not share anything about themselves with clients. While oversharing is certainly not ok, at Blue Box Counseling & Wellness we believe that it’s important for you to have a sense of your therapist’s authentic personality. When you walk through our doors, you will have a pretty good idea of who your therapist is and whether or not they’ll be a good fit for you.

What is narrative therapy?

Narrative therapy uses the power of story to facilitate the therapy process and emphasizes the language you use to describe what’s going on in your life. Together, you and your therapist will look at the narratives of your life and identify the stories that no longer serve you. Then you’ll work together to rewrite those narratives. For this reason, it’s important that your therapist speaks your language.

How do fandoms fit in?

Your individual stories--as well as those that inform your life--hold profound meaning. Fandoms can serve as a framework to explore your stories while putting the “problem” in a different context.

Do we have to like the same fandoms for therapy to work?

Not at all. Your therapist will ask you about the fandoms that resonate with you, so that they can better understand where you’re coming from and speak your language. Your therapist doesn’t have to be a fan of that specific fandom to be able to help you, nor vice versa.

How can therapy help me?

Therapy at Blue Box Counseling & Wellness can provide you with support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Relationship troubles

• Unresolved childhood issues

• Grief

• Stress management

• Body image issues

• Creative blocks

• Many of our clients also find that therapy can be an asset in managing:

• Personal growth

• Interpersonal relationships

• Family concerns

• Marriage issues

• The hassles of daily life

Your Blue Box Counseling & Wellness therapist can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on your participation in the therapy process and whether you put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits of therapy include:

• Understanding yourself--and your goals and values--better

• Developing skills you can use to improve your relationships

• Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy

• Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety

• Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures

• Improving communication and listening skills

• Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones

• Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or partnership

• Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

What is therapy like?

Therapy is different for everyone. In general, you can expect to discuss what’s going on in your life, explore your personal history as it relates to your issue, and report progress or any insights from the previous therapy session. Based on your needs, therapy might be short-term and cover a specific issue, or longer-term to address difficult patterns or on-going personal development. Either way, it’s common to see your therapist on a regular basis--often weekly or biweekly.

Keep in mind that therapy is an undertaking where you get more results if you actively participate in the process. We may suggest things you can do outside of therapy to support your process: reading a book, journaling, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals. People who are successful in therapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives, and are ready to take responsibility for their lives.

I take medication. Is that enough?

Medication is often effective in treating symptoms, but is unlikely to provide a long-term solution to mental and emotional issues alone. Therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress.

Sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being are supported by an integrative approach to wellness. Work with your medical doctor to determine the best course of treatment for you. In some cases, a combination of medication and therapy is the best course of action.

Do you take insurance, and how does that work?

At Blue Box Counseling & Wellness, we do not accept insurance. Instead, we offer a sliding scale payment schedule based on your household income. If your sliding scale rate would cause you financial hardship or keep you from continuing therapy, we will negotiate an alternate rate on a case-by-case basis. We believe that financial reasons should never keep you from getting the help you need.

Are our conversations confidential?

Confidentiality is one of the most important parts of the relationship you have with your therapist. Your therapist will provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent.” Sometimes, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.

However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to report the following situations:

• Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.

• If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.