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Common Questions

Common Questions: To help you understand how the process works, we provide the answers to our most frequently asked questions below.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in understanding how medications for mood disorders interact with the body and other medications you may be taking. Some psychiatrists may provide occasional therapy, but they primarily provide medication. Psychologists, on the other hand, specialize in understanding mental health. They provide counseling. However, they do not prescribe medication.

Medication can help treat symptoms. However, counseling is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior and teach strategies to help you accomplish your personal and relational goals. Medication and counseling are often needed to help you reach your mental health goals as quickly and effectively as possible.

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and can reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have some strengths you’ve used before, which aren’t working right now for whatever reason. Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and makes it difficult to access your past strengths. In our work together, I’ll help you identify those strengths and how to implement them again in what is happening now.

The difference is between someone who can do something and someone with the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, suppose your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion. In that case, if you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better, you could start avoiding that person, so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs.

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say on a general FAQs page. The truth is every person’s circumstances are unique. You bring a unique set of past experiences, strengths, and concerns when you enter counseling.  Therefore, the length of time therapy can take varies.  Some factors that can impact how long you’ll be in counseling include your goals, motivation, commitment, and the factors driving you to seek therapy in the first place.

We are so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your counseling sessions. Your active participation and dedication are important. After all, you typically only come to therapy once a week. Therefore, the work you do outside of our sessions will really help you see your personal growth and development.

Online Therapy

Online therapy is very similar to in-person therapy; the only difference is that you are meeting with your therapist through a video platform rather than in the same room. Many clients have said they prefer online therapy because it is convenient, removes the need for transportation to and from an appointment, and allows you to have a therapy session in the comfort of your own home or another safe space.

Online therapy follows the same rules and regulations around confidentiality in traditional in-person therapy and Move Forward, and all of our therapists strictly follow these rules. Our online therapists have private and confidential spaces where they hold therapy sessions. We ask you to ensure you also have a private and confidential space for therapy, and we will only move forward with the session if we are sure of your privacy. We use a HIPAA-compliant platform for our video sessions to protect your information.

Move Forward Counseling is a small private practice where we all know each other. Our therapists are all licensed in Pennsylvania and trained in the areas they specialize in. In addition, they receive regular supervision from Move Forward Clinical Supervisors. Unlike some other programs, Move Forward does not charge a membership or monthly fee, you are only charged for sessions that you schedule with your therapist. At Move Forward Counseling Online, our therapy sessions are always held online over video as we do not believe that texting or leaving messages with a therapist is a substitute for the face to face real-time interactions you can have via video sessions.

If you live in Pennsylvania and are ready to start therapy now, call or email us at 717-462-7003 or info@moveforwardlancaster.com. Our administrative staff will work with you to find a therapist who specializes in working with people dealing with similar problems. They will send you information about getting started and a link to your first appointment. At the time of your first appointment, you will meet with your therapist, and together, you will decide on a plan n for your treatment. If you have any questions, we are always here to help!

Are You Ready To Take The First Step?

Reach out today to get started. Our supportive staff will help guide you through the scheduling process, discuss special requests and consult your insurance needs.

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