Counseling

Counseling involves meeting with a trained therapist in a counseling office on a regular basis. Sessions are usually held once a week or as needed to best help you reach your goals.

Counseling can address a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship problems, stress management, substance abuse, grief, communication issues, anger, and behavioral concerns. It’s a safe space to explore emotions and develop strategies for handling difficulties.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by something in your life, whether it feels big or seems small, counseling could be beneficial. Working with a counselor may help you process through things, gain insight into your reactions to emotional situations, or better understand why you respond to things the way you do. 

While the terms are often used interchangeably, counseling typically focuses on short-term support for specific issues, while therapy may involve deeper exploration over a longer period. Both aim to help individuals improve their mental and emotional health.

During your first session, your therapist will go over confidentiality and will review some of the things you might start working together to address. The counselor will ask questions to understand your concerns, goals, and background. It’s a chance to establish rapport, discuss your situation, and set a plan for future sessions based on your unique needs.

Yes, all counseling sessions are confidential, meaning your personal information and what you discuss with your therapist are protected by law. Your therapist will explain in depth the few rare exceptions to confidentiality, and will make sure all of your questions are answered at your first session.

Most counseling sessions last between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on your needs and the type of therapy. 

The number of sessions depends on the nature of the issues being addressed and your personal progress. Some clients may benefit from short-term counseling, while others may choose to engage in therapy over a longer period.

Our counselors have various qualifications from Licensed professional counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Residents in counseling, Licensed clinical social worker supervisees as well as interns.  They hold Master level degrees in counseling, psychology, or social work. To learn more about specific counselors’ qualifications, feel free to take a look at Our Team.

Yes, it’s important to feel comfortable with your counselor. If you feel the fit isn’t right, you can request a different therapist, and we’ll work with you to find someone better suited to your preferences.

Counseling with Impact Living Services is available in-person sessions available in Bedford, Fairfax, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, Roanoke, and Virginia Beach.

We offer virtual counseling through secure online platforms, allowing you to receive support from the comfort of your home. This option is great for those with busy schedules or who prefer not to attend in-person sessions.

Yes, we proudly offer counseling services for children and adolescents to help them cope with emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. Additionally, our therapists use age-appropriate techniques to effectively support young people in expressing their feelings and resolving issues. Furthermore, we strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where children and adolescents feel comfortable opening up and working through their difficulties.

Yes, we accept most major insurance plans, and we also offer flexible payment options for those paying out-of-pocket. Our team can assist you with verifying your insurance coverage and explaining the costs involved.

You can schedule an appointment by calling our office or filling out an online form on our website. We’ll work with you to find a convenient time and match you with a therapist based on your needs, goals, and preferences.

We ask that you notify us at least 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. This allows us to offer the time to other clients and avoids any potential cancellation fees.

There’s no need to bring anything specific, but you may want to think about what you’d like to discuss or any concerns you have. If you’re on medication or have a medical history relevant to your therapy, it can be helpful to share that information.