How can this service help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in this process. Mr. Lathem can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that this process can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Mr. Lathem can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek assistance with working through the issues
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communications and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
Do I really need help? I can usually handle my problems.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, this is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking assistance. Consulting with a professional provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
Why do people opt for outside help and how do I know if it is right for me?
People have many different motivations for coming to a helping professional. Some may be going through a major life transition (unemployment, divorce, new job, etc.), or are not handling stressful circumstances well. Some people need assistance managing a range of other issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and creative blocks. Services like this can help provide some much needed encouragement and help with skills to get them through these periods. Others may be at a point where they are ready to learn more about themselves or want to be more effective with their goals in life. In short, people seeking assistance are ready to meet the challenges in their lives and ready to make changes in their lives.
What is the consuting process like and can I do the sessions by phone?
Because each person has different issues and goals for the consultations, results will be different depending on the individual. In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous session. Depending on your specific needs, sessions can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. Either way, it is most common to schedule regular sessions with Mr. Lathem (usually weekly). Phone consultations are very popular and convienient. In person consulting is available to anyone able to drive to Mr. Lathem's office in North Ga but help is available to anyone by phone. Skype or video phone is also quite popular. It is strictly a personal choice and often based on the clients location.
It is important to understand that you will get more results from the sessions if you actively participate in the process. The ultimate purpose of the sessions is to help you bring what you learn in session back into your life. Therefore, beyond the work you do in the sessions, Mr. Lathem may suggest some things you can do outside of the sessions to support your process - such as reading a pertinent book, journaling on specific topics, noting particular behaviors or taking action on your goals. People seeking this help are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives and take responsibility for their lives.
What about medication?
It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, these type sessions address the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you, and in some cases a combination of medication and sessions with Mr. Lathem is the right course of action.
Do you take insurance, and how does that work?
We currently do not take insurance but the sessions are priced to be more afforadable to more people in need.
Does what we talk about in the sessions remain confidential?
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and Mr. Lathem. Success requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is not discussed anywhere but Mr. Lathem's office. A written copy of the confidential disclosure agreement is provided every client, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent”. Sometimes, however, you may want to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Naturopath, Attorney), but by law Mr. Lathem cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
However, state law and professional ethics require helping professionals to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.
* If there is a reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.