​​Kathy Narum RN LPC ​

FAQs

1)  WHAT CAN I EXPECT WITH COUNSELING
The first session is an intake session. There is some paper work to be filled out prior to the first meeting that helps clarify and identify what we will be addressing. This initial session involves looking into all the factors that contribute to your current situation. We begin to form goals for what you would like to accomplish with therapy.
Sessions are generally 50 mins. long. It is best to meet weekly or every other week. We can meet more often should the need arise.
The duration of therapy will be determined by both you and myself. Brief or solution focused therapy can be accomplished in five sessions or less. More often, therapy can last for several months, or as long as a client is wanting to address their needs.

2)  WHAT BENEFITS CAN I EXPECT FROM WORKING WITH A THERAPIST

Therapy is most effective when the client is an active participant, willing to integrate insights gained in session into every day life. Therapy can help provide insights and new perspectives in areas of life that are challenging. In general, therapy tends to lower levels of anxiety and stress, decrease conflict and improve quality of life.

Some benefits include:

•  Skills for managing stress and anxiety
•  Gaining insight and understanding into personal attitudes and behaviors
•  Challenging old, negative thought patterns
•  Increasing confidence
•  Coping strategies for anger and depression
•  Improving communication and relational skills
•  Better problem solving abilities
•  Finding more joy and peace 
  

3)  WHAT IS EMDR
    
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and is a tool used to clear the emotional disturbances that are left over after a traumatic event. Research has shown that EMDR is very successful in treating a number of issues including anxiety, addictions, depression and eating disorders.

In understanding and mimicking the body's own system of bilateral stimulation that occurs during REM sleep, we are able to access a healing process that the body already does naturally. When the body and brain know what information to tend to, the healing occurs through releasing what is painful, while retaining the information in a more neutral manner.

EMDR can be thought of as a way to access old experiences or beliefs that have been damaging, and reorganizing the information so it can be filed more appropriately. Our beliefs form out of emotional experiences at any point in life - be it from childhood trauma or from situations that occurred as an adult. Feelings such as of being out of control or not being safe in a situation will leave a lasting impression. Often this results in symptoms of depression and anxiety. This information gets stored in a separate filing cabinet in the mind. The problem lies in the fact that those old beliefs act like a filter for future experiences and cause emotional disturbance later in life. 

I can explain more about EMDR in session and we can determine if this would be helpful for you.