Frequently Asked Questions
IN ORDER TO HELP ALLEVIATE ANY CONCERNS OR ANXIETIES YOU MAY BE FEELING, WE HAVE COMPILED A LIST OF GENERAL QUESTIONS THAT MAY COME TO MIND AS YOU ARE CONSIDERING COUNSELING/THERAPY.
Where are you located?
We are located just off of I-45 in Grogan’s Mill Village within The Woodlands, TX.
"Counselor" vs. "Therapist," is there a difference?
No. The terms "counselor" and "therapist" are often used interchangeably to describe a mental health professional (such as: couples counselor / couples therapist)
What is a "Marriage & Family Therapist"?
Therapists who possess a license in Marriage and Family Therapy, receive similar training to other mental health professionals, but also have specialized training that enables them to better understand and address complex, relational and couple concerns.
Relationship therapy (Couples Therapy & Family Therapy) is a bit different than individual therapy, as the therapist has multiple clients in the room to consider, including each partner / family member as well as "the relationship" as a whole, first and foremost being "the relationship." Holding and attending to all of these perspectives at once, can be challenging, and requires that the therapist working with the couple / family have a strong understanding of how our relationships (both past and present) with those around us (such as our partner, family, friends, co-workers), impact and influence us, as well as how we interact with and influence those systems.
Learn more about Lisa's qualifications & Couples Therapy / Marriage Counseling using the buttons below:
It says you're a "Marriage & Family Therapist," does that mean you only work with couples or families?
No. While I specialize in Relationship & Couples Therapy, I also work with individuals on a variety of concerns. MFT's are qualified to work with individuals, couples, or families. Here at Neuhart New Hope Counseling, we welcome all three!
My partner and I are going through a rough time, but he/she will not get counseling, is there something I can do by myself to help our marriage (or relationship)?
Honestly, I’m not sure I’m ready to participate in couples counseling with my partner, but I’d love to talk with someone, can I see you on my own?
Yes! Absolutely! Please do not let the fact that your partner is unwilling to participate in couples counseling or your own hesitations to include them in the therapy process deter you from seeking assistance for your personal and / or relationship concerns.
As a couples therapist, I have been trained to consider problems from a systemic perspective, meaning I look at patterns of interaction and the context in which an issue occurs, rather than only focusing on the individual psyche as in traditional counseling. Even without both partners present, an individual can begin the steps towards healing and making positive changes for themselves as well as gain clarity and begin working through their relationship concerns.
— Also, while it is ideal to have both partners participate at the start of couples therapy, I have often found that this isn't always possible. Sometimes this may be due to work constraints and other obligations, or simply because one partner may be more on board with the idea than the other. If this applies to you, please don't hesitate to contact us to discuss how best to navigate this situation and find an option that works best for you.
But what if I’m not in a relationship? Can I come to counseling for relationship concerns and/or sexual health concerns on my own?
Of course! In fact, the time prior to getting into a romantic relationship can be one of the best times to focus on gaining more understanding of yourself, exploring your own needs and expectations, and learning relationship building skills, as you may be able to view these things more objectively than when you are already involved with a particular partner.
In addition the relationship building skills discussed within the process, can assist you not only with romantic partners, but with family, friends, co-workers, and peers.
I'm concerned that talking about our issues might just make things worse between me and my partner / spouse / family, why should I take this step?
Although couples counseling and family therapy can bring up difficult emotions at times, having a trained professional there to help facilitate conversations between partners or family members as they work through their concerns can be very healing and helpful in enabling them to learn the skills to handle conflict or difficult situations in the future.
Also, in general, the concerns you are feeling do not go away by ignoring them. In fact, doing so can often build up negative sentiments and resentments, making the issue(s) seem bigger and more challenging to overcome later. If you are struggling, please do not wait to seek help for yourself or your relationships.
Lately, I've been thinking about going to counseling... But, I'm just not sure therapy's for me... I wouldn't even know where to begin??
No worries! We get it. We know the strength and courage it takes to reach out for help, and how nerve-wracking it may feel to contact a therapist. But the truth is, counseling can be a helpful and powerful resource for anyone. It is used as both a preventative / self-improvement tool, as well as a wonderful investment towards your personal healing or to strengthen / repair your relationship.
At Neuhart New Hope Counseling, we have immense respect for anyone who decides to take this important and beneficial step. If you're interested in counseling, but are feeling a bit unsure, contact our office today via email or phone to schedule your FREE 20-minute phone consultation. We're happy to discuss your concerns with you, so you can decide whether or not our therapy services are a good fit for you.
Still have questions?
No problem, we're happy to help! Contact us via email or phone using the button below.
