This section covers several questions people often ask when they are considering therapy.

What is the difference in therapy and counseling?

Technically, counseling is about giving advice and therapy is about resolving internal or interpersonal struggles. However, in practice the terms are often used interchangeably. If you are looking for guidance or resolution of struggles, it is best to talk about that in an initial session. At IDEALS of Kentucky we create an agreement in the initial session about exactly what you want from a counseling/therapy experience and that is what we work toward.

What are the rules of confidentiality?

Generally, the ethical codes of mental health professionals direct therapists to maintain confidentiality. This means that, as a rule, whatever you tell a counselor or therapist is not shared with anyone else. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. All professionals are required by law to report abuse, dangerous behavior, or neglect. If you have questions about what constitutes abuse, dangerous behavior, or neglect that must be reported, ask your therapist or your local social services agency.

But what about confidentiality within families? What if one family member tells the therapist something that another family member needs to know, such as information about a child’s drug use? When doing therapy with more than one person in a family, IDEALS of Kentucky therapists work out a family confidentiality agreement during an initial session so all family members are aware of what might be shared with another family member under what circumstances.

Also, in the case of child problems, parents may sign a confidentiality release of information to enable therapists to talk with school staff, physicians, or others about your child.

If insurance is paying for therapy services, you will be asked to sign a release of information to obtain payment from the insurers.

IDEALS of Kentucky keeps required clinical records. A client may ask to see his/her clinical file at any time and copies may be made and given to you as needed. The original record always remains at IDEALS of Kentucky.

What if I need therapy now but can’t pay for it?

IDEALS of Kentucky accepts credit cards and has a sliding fee scale. We will work with you to make therapy affordable. However, payment is expected at the time of service. If we cannot accommodate your financial needs, we can refer you to several agencies in Frankfort or Lexington who receive auxiliary funding and are thus able to provide therapy services for lower fees than we are able to provide.

What if I’m uncomfortable with a therapist?

Moments of discomfort in therapy are to be expected; you are dealing with tough issues that probably are wrapped in lots of uncomfortable feelings. However, generally therapy should be a supportive, safe-feeling experience. If it is not, discuss this with your therapist. It may be possible to make minor changes which would resolve the situation or you may need a different therapist. Not every therapist can work effectively with every client.

At IDEALS of Kentucky if things don’t feel right to you, please tell us. If we can’t work it out, we will happily refer you to someone who is likely to be a better match.

What if I want therapy but my partner doesn’t?

There is no doubt that couple issues are best resolved when both people participate in the process. However, often much can be accomplished if even one person wants the relationship to change. Many times, once that person enters therapy and the partner sees changes, he or she is motivated to enter therapy, too. At IDEALS of Kentucky we are happy to work with one partner.

What other questions do you have?

If you have other questions, contact mary@skillswork.org for answers.