Question 1

Are y'all Christian Therapists?

Accepted Answer

We have many providers who are Christian. Let me tell you a secret. Counseling is probably the most Christian interaction on the planet. 
We understand that humans have poorly represented Jesus. That is why we do our best to talk with you like the real Jesus really would, with an individualized blend of the support and challenge you need, right when you need it.  Support and challenge to help you grow through your problem into your purpose and your fully authentic self. All of our therapists and providers here, regardless of their spirituality, want that level of growth for you.

Question 2

Why should I work with a smaller therapy practice instead of a large corporation?

Accepted Answer

So many reasons. Beyond Your Valley's objective is to treat therapists well so they can treat you well, so they have time, energy, and margin to think about and plan for how to help you best. Here, you are a person we connect with, a person who matters, a person who is the reason we do this work. When you spend your hard-earned money with us, you know your money is staying local, in our communities, helping our therapists pay bills and make a living.

At the big, corporate places, they are really technology and marketing experts. They consider their therapists expenses and treat them that way. That culture of volume and efficiency comes at a cost, to the therapist in terms of burnout and devaluation.  The cost to the client who chooses to work with that therapist is less-than-adequate therapy. When you spend your hard-earned money at the larger corporations, you are helping executives buy yachts and insurance companies monopolize the mental health industry. Just saying.

Question 3

What’s the difference between talking to you vs. my best friend or family?

Accepted Answer

Well, first off, your friends or family, as well-intentioned as they may be, could be too close to you or the problem to see it clearly.  They may have biases and agendas for you, sometimes that are more about them than you.  Counselors maintain a nonjudgmental stance and prioritize your goals. When we listen, we listen deeply and for things that are at the core of the issue.  We do not fix problems.  We enter into the problem with you so we can examine it with you.  That’s empathy.  We also are legally and ethically bound to keep your information confidential which creates the space for you to say whatever you need to say, however you need to say it.

Question 4

What should I expect from my counselor/therapist?

Accepted Answer

This may be the most important question you ever ask.  It’s probably not gonna be like what you see on TV.  Expect your counselor or therapist to do way more than just listen and nod and tell you everything is going to be OK.  We’ve learned over the years that people want to learn about themselves, learn different perspectives, gain new insights.  People want to talk with a human.  You will be treated with dignity, respect, and with the deep belief that you have the capacity to do and be great.

Question 5

How long will it take?

Accepted Answer

It depends. It depends on how good of a fit you and your therapist are and if you are both staying focused on what you need (not necessarily want) to work on.  It depends on what you’re trying to accomplish and how much you put into it.  For example, some people want to learn how to cope better with problems and feel better.  That typically does not take tons of time.  It’s also not transformative.  Therapy can be life-changing if you keep going after you feel better and learn how to deal with difficulties better.  You can actually harness those skills and that mindset to grow beyond where you could have been if you never had the problem in the first place.

Question 6

How do I get the most out of therapy?

Accepted Answer

Great question.  Therapy is not passive, it’s interactive.  Expect to do work, expect to be challenged.  Come prepared, as often as you can, with a topic, goal, or a loose agenda.  People who grow the most out of the therapy experience expect to grow, not just feel better.  People who take notes and look for ways to change their thinking and take action do very well in therapy and in life as a result.

Question 7

How do I get a loved one into therapy?

Accepted Answer

If you are a parent or legal guardian of the minor person you are wanting to get into therapy, all you have to do is contact the therapist you’d like your child to see (hopefully also the person your child wants to see).  Please take every opportunity you can to empower your child in this process.
 
If your child or loved one is an adult, even if you are paying for their therapy, the adult has to initiate the consultation and/or scheduling process themselves.  This is so we know the person is interested and motivated to do the therapy. It is an important, courageous and uncomfortable step we would not want to remove them from.  Studies show people who make the call to get into therapy typically find some immediate benefit because they feel hopeful for change and more confident in their ability to make those changes.

Question 8

Is therapy confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  It’s like Vegas, what happens here stays here.  There are only a couple exceptions to that. One is when we are required by law to disclose info about your therapy.  Even then we give out only the minimum.  The other time is with your written permission for people or agencies you decide it would be helpful to be aware of and involved of your progress in therapy.  Please check out our Notice of Privacy Practices for more detailed information.

Question 9

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Accepted Answer

You can.  Some people need to take medications to be able to do the work of therapy.  And some people may need to take medications indefinitely. We understand that.  Remember though, meds don’t get to the root of the problem.  Sometimes, they can actually cover up the problem so you can’t see it or the reason it exists.  Our goal for you is to help you make so many gains in therapy that you may not have to take the meds anymore.

Question 10

Can therapy be fun?

Accepted Answer

Heck yeah! We get that you’re not necessarily coming to see a sit-down comedian, but we will definitely laugh from time to time while we do this work together.

Frequently asked questions