Many individuals are under the false impression that you need to have a major issue to see help. This misnomer is at the center of our philosophy to help. There is no problem or issue too small to be appropriate for counseling. There are times that the little choices we make are the turning point in our lives. We are here to educate and offer counsel at the time you seek it.

 

You should seek help, from us or somebody else if you are a the point that you are reading this, you are ready. Many people (women in particular) seek advice on many topics from friends and loved ones; sometimes the advice is great and other times it conflicts with other ideas.

 

One of our goals is to provide a sounding board, safe harbor and professional guidance for anyone to work through any issues they have, large or small. We strive to help people in ways that will help prevent future or repetitive occurrences of any possible destructive patterns and to teach new, healthy methods. SideWays will teach as well as guide in a manner that assures success. How? Well, there a number of methods:

 

SideWays Therapeutic Orientations

There are a variety of psychological theories and therapeutic approaches used in the delivery of care of clients. One of our our specializations is marital communication with a primary focus on short term, solution based therapy. We are also experts in mediation and conflict resolution. Our counseling style integrates the theories of Humanistic, Cognitive-Behavioral and Somatic Psychology.

 

Methods are aimed at evaluating and assessing difficulties in psychosocial functioning and increasing client awareness, developing a plan to alleviate those difficulties, and either carry out the plan or referring clients to other qualified resources for assistance. Emphasis is on educating clients by increasing the client's awareness and understanding in the following areas: moral, physical, mental, emotional, social, developmental, vocational, educational, organizational, health related and spiritual aspects of their lives. Counselors focus more on everyday developmental situations: stress, personal, interpersonal relationships than on psychopathology. SideWays does not offer psychopharmacological therapies.

 

Clients that require medicinal or pharmaceutical intervention are encouraged to request a consultation to discuss collaboration between the client’s current health care provider and SideWays services. If you are unsure, your therapist will help you make the determination.

 

Counseling can provide insight and new perspectives into life's challenges and help create solutions to difficult problems. Many people find that working with a counselor can enhance personal development, improve relationships and family dynamics, and may ease the challenges of daily life. Someone to listen, give feedback, and provide ideas is often enough to facilitate successful conflict resolution.

 

Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

* Developing new skills for handling stress and anxiety
* Learning effective communication skills
* Understanding your problems are not unusual.
* Individuals can gain support and have a safe place to discuss personal issues.
* Attaining insight and modifying unhealthy behavior and long-standing patterns
* Achieving confidence through learning about alternative healing
* Increasing peace, vitality, and well-being
* Improving ways to manage anger, depression and moods
* Discovering new skills to solve problems
* Navigating life’s obstacles more effectively
* Enhancing the overall quality of life

 

Christian counseling means different things to different people, so there is no easy way to answer this question. Yes, if the client requests it. No, if the client is not a Christian. You should know: Any good therapist will find and meet all the clients' needs, including on a religious or spiritual level.

Please call and speak with a counsleor to find out more.

Social workers are trained to critically assess & intervene by involving clients in accomplishing goals, developing or finding resources, & preventing & alleviating distress.

 

Discretion. Respect. Privacy. Confidentiality. Success.

 

The decision to seek help can be a difficult one, and it should remain private. Every therapy session is unique and is tailored to meet specific needs and goals. Discussions during therapy sessions include the presenting issue(s) and corresponding concerns.

It is common to schedule weekly 50 minute sessions. The frequency of counseling sessions will be determined on a case-by-case basis, having the versatility to change as necessary. Individuals may request more time per session or more than one session per week.

 

Counseling sessions can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors between sessions.

 

It is important to process and integrate what has been discussed it into your daily life. Effective therapy requires active participation during and between sessions. Commitment to the cause begins with you.

 

Your privacy is important, and confidential treatment is critical. SideWays is dedicated to treating all individuals seeking a tailored, discreet, and effective therapeutic experience. The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission.

In this counseling relationship, information about you is kept confidential. This includes all information regarding you and our work together, i.e.: your history, intake form, session notes & discussions etc. However, by law, I am required to report information if; I determine that you are a danger to yourself or others; there is information that constitutes you are abusing or neglecting children; I am ordered by the courts to release information; I am ordered by the social service agency to release information as part of an evaluation or intervention. See Client Rights and Important Information: 12.43.214 (1) (d) CRS.

 

There may be times when the psychotherapist(s) may need to consult with a colleague, supervisor, or another professional, such as an attorney, regarding issues that arise during a therapy session. Confidentiality is still protected during consultation by the psychotherapist and the professional consulted.

Seeking counseling or therapy is an individual choice, and very personal one.

 

There are many reasons people choose to begin a counseling relationship, such as coping with long-standing psychological issues, problems within relationships, anxiety, depression or parenting concerns. Other times it may be in response to unexpected changes in life such as the death of a loved one, divorce or work transition.

 

Many seek the advice of a counselor to pursue personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy helps address many issues including premarital preparation, mens' issues, depression, communication skills, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, sexuality, relationship difficulties and general life transitions.

 

Therapy is right for anyone interested in getting the most out of life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change.

Remember the TV show MacGyver? He was able to grab three or four things around him and make a bomb or something that would save his life. SideWays is the based on the same idea. Learn to use what you already have in front of you to manage or solve your problems and improve your life.

One example of a "tool" is your sense of humor. The health benefits of laughter are well documented. Laughter truly is the best medicine and one of the most undervalued tools we have to create a healthy balance in our ever changing and increasingly stressful daily lives. Why are individuals encouraged to tell a joke when giving a speech? The laughter dissipates the tension, creating a more balanced and positive atmosphere. Laughter is a gift which can inspire creative problem solving and encourage cooperation. How and when do you use your sense of humor?

 

Some other examples are:

* Sense of humor - break up the tension, supply balance to serious life issues
* Support systems - identifying systems helps clear the way for a plan and where/who may be in a position to help (who can you lean on?)
* Defense mechanisms - identification can provide you with insight about your natural choices -right or wrong (I can justify anything given enough time and thought)
* Faith/religion - provide you with roles, beliefs, support etc. to help guide
* Talents - use you own talents to help you learn in your most natural way (If you love music, use it in a way to assist in creative ways. Uplifting artists. For insomnia, calm music without lyric)
* Personality - realistic expectations are critical in change, knowing you helps determine roadblocks you may encounter (I clean when I am angry). Your attitude is also a key factor in the approach and chances for success
* Education - You can only use what you know. Exploring this area creates an opportunity to expand your knowledge base, or help you stop over thinking some issues
* Belief system - knowing what you believe is or is not possible helps you set attainable goals (you will only succeed at what you believe you can do)
* Physical abilities/disabilities - your physical state influences your mental outlook, more exercise means increased oxygen = fewer headaches, more endorphins (happy chemicals) and increased weight loss

 

When we hear the term "mental health", many people think of mental illness or disorder. Maintaining your health should be something we all do mentally and physically. Our focus is to educate and empower clients

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Psychopathology is the scientific study of mental disorders. The terms therapy, psychotherapy, and counseling are frequently used interchangeably. Different people have various interpretations of the terms. SideWays offers counseling/therapy or psychotherapy for individuals that need help solving problems or dealing with life changes. Counselors at SideWays do not prescribe medications. If you are currently working with a physician and would like Sideways to participate in the treatment, all you need to do is sign a release of information and your counselor will contact your physician to coordinate care. If you are unsure, your therapist will help you make the determination during your first session.

We are currently an insurance free practice. We will gladly issue you a receipt to be submitted to your insurance company for reimbursement for out of network providers.

 

FYI - Please consider confidentiality issues:

Claims submitted to insurance companies and related information may become part of your medical record, potentially accessible to your employer. Health records are reviewed when changing or applying for health and life insurance providers. Some health insurance providers require medical diagnosis and treatment plan to approve coverage. All clients are encouraged to review insurance policies and consider the short and long term ramifications of submitting a claim to your insurance provider.

Example: SideWays can help a client cope with a situational depression an individual might be experiencing due to a loss, and does not wish for the issue to become part of a medical record. A client with a chemical imbalance and long term depressive symptoms that requires a possible medical intervention will be encouraged to seek the appropriate care from a psychiatist to compliment their treatment program.

 

Just as the decision to seek counseling is a personal one, so is the decision to use or not to use insurance. All decisions should be honored and respected.

 

Any type of therapy is personal. I believe you should have a chance to meet with the therapist and make sure all parties involved are comfortable with each other before you make a large investment. It is benefitial for the therapist to make sure they are the right "fit" and if appropriate, refer you to whatever community resources are available for you.

 

SideWays is the home of YogEscapes. YogEscapes was previously a stand alone business for Yoga Therapy. As the requests for private therapy sessionsbecame prevalent, Meg chose to end the group classes and concentrate on private sessions. Private sessions are available under the title" Somatic Therapy".

Please note: Yoga therapy and yoga are not the same.

Yoga classes can be found at many health clubs and yoga studio's in the area. Meg studied Iyengar Yoga and Somatic psychology that blends the physical aspects of a traditional yoga you are probably more familiar with and somatic (mind body) Psychotherapy, a combination of the physcial body with the mental and spiritual aspects of our lives. Mindfullness training and meditation may be taught and encouraged depending on the needs and goals of the client. Therapy refers to healing and more holistic approach to physical and mental health.

 

Please do not hesitate to call with your questions and concerns if you are interested in learning more.