Do I need a referral to come to Sunrise Counseling Center?
No. You do not need an official referral from another professional to come to SCC. If you have someone that is recommending you attend therapy, we do like to know about that person and/or any information they may want to share, so it may be helpful to complete a Release of Information so we can appropriately communicate with them with your permission.

Do I have to have a mental health diagnosis to attend therapy?

Yes and no. A mental health diagnosis is part of the billing process that works with insurance, but you do not have to have a diagnosis to attend therapy. A diagnosis is what gives general direction to the issues that the person is struggling with. All are welcome to attend therapy regardless of diagnoses or degree they are struggling. Our minds are just like our physical body in our need for medical care upon occasion. Sometimes we break a bone or experience issues that need surgery or medicinal interventions. Our minds are no different. Upon occasion we experience a mental “broken arm” or need “medicinal interventions” to assist our minds to work and function to the best capabilities possible. Another possible analogy, is referencing the body and mind to that of a vehicle. Every vehicle needs repairs and regular maintenance, why would our bodies and minds be different? After 100,000 miles wouldn’t it be best practice to overhaul or review a vehicle for issues that may cause it to work improperly or cause it to do more work than it should? Give your body and mind at least the same respect and forethought you give your vehicle.

If I attend therapy, do I have to go forever?

No. Therapy is meant to be time-limited in that it is to address the problem, provide remedies and/or solutions and continue our daily lives. Therapy should have an open-door policy. Even if everything is “wonderful” currently, it doesn’t mean you can’t come in for a “check-up” as needed when something comes up. Your therapist should make it clear that you’re always welcome to return as needed.

I have had bad experiences with therapists in the past, are therapists all the same?

Absolutely not! You must experience a “click” with your therapist to create a solid therapeutic relationship that fits your individual needs. If you do not feel relieved and/or supported by your therapist, discuss it with them. Therapists want to help! Therapists understand they cannot be a “one size fits all” for each person seeking therapy. The therapist cannot adapt to the style a person is seeking if the individual does not express their concerns. The therapist may also recommend a colleague that may be a better fit to what the individual is seeking to help them find “best fit”. Each individual may work differently with different types of therapists, but always remember, the momentum for change and self-efficacy always resides within the individual. The therapist is a tool to help the individual find it, but is not the magic that can “fix” anything.

If I go to therapy, does that mean I’m broken?

Of course not! Everyone experiences situations in life cause more difficulty than others. Not all situations require therapy or supportive assistance, but not all situations are handled the same way by each individual. Some things may be so severe it may feel as though you’re “broken”. But despite the heaviness of trauma or mental health symptoms, the pieces from “brokenness”, when collected after tragedy, are often strengthened into the most priceless masterpieces.