Frequently Asked Questions

There are many reasons why people seek out counseling. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of counsel as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth or need help working through a major decision. Working with a counselor can help people in any situation look at decisions and life choices from a fresh perspective. Counseling is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you have faced, there is nothing wrong with seeking extra support when needed. Perhaps you could manage your problems without counseling, but counseling may help provide the extra perspective and insight to more efficiently and effectively make lasting changes in the recurring or isolated problems of life. Counseling can provide long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.

Every counseling session is unique and is tailored to each individual and their specific goals. Upon checking in with the receptionist, the client will complete some intake paperwork if they have not completed it prior to the session. The client will then meet with a counselor to address the problem and get to know each other better. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. Counseling can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. Regardless of the content of the session, we expect the client to leave each session feeling more hopeful and encouraged than when they arrived.

As the clinical training arm of the Professional Counseling Program, UMHB is pleased to provide the Greater Temple/Belton community with counseling services without charging a fee. Anyone is welcome to seek counseling, regardless of their ability to pay. The CLC does not accept third-party payment from insurance companies for any services.

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and counselor. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client. However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. The most common exceptions include:

Suspected child abuse, dependent adult, or elder abuse. The counselor is required to report this to the appropriate authorities in a timely manner.

If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person, the counselor is required to notify the police.

If a client intends to harm himself or herself, the counselor will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.