“Sometimes it is important to discuss concerns privately with a

counselor or therapist who can provide a confidential setting where you may

explore concerns and achieve a better understanding of yourself - your feelings,

attitudes, and capabilities.”

Resources for Help

Normandale Community College Advising & Counseling Department, C1032 952-358-8261 Counseling, Psychotherapy, Referrals

Your Health Insurance Provider Check with your provider for referrals which are covered under your insurance plan. It’s as easy as calling the customer service number on the back of your card.

Family Partnership Services 612-339-9101

www.thefamilypartnership.org Counseling, family support services, violence intervention, and educational opportunities.

Mental Health Connect http://www.mhconnect.org/ Mental Health Connect works to provide community based resources, support, and education to improve access to mental health services and to connect individual and families with the services they need.

The Walk In Counseling Center 612-870-0565 www.walkin.org 2421 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis Crisis intervention and short-term counseling to individuals, couples and families. No appointment is necessary during counseling hours. These services are free, but donations are appreciated.

For more options, see the Counseling page on the Normandale Community College website: http://www.normandale.edu/advising-and-services/counseling

What is Therapy? Therapy, also known as counseling or psychotherapy, is the process of meeting with a therapist to manage behaviors, feelings, relationship issues, and thoughts. Therapy can be a big step toward being the healthiest version of yourself and having a more fulfilling life. Through therapy you can change harmful behaviors and habits, resolve painful emotions, improve relationships, and adopt more healthy perspectives.

Source: http://www.goodtherapy.org/what-is-therapy.html#

Why do people consider using therapy?

People often consider therapy because:

• They would like help sorting through emotions or thoughts that are difficult to manage

• They feel an overwhelming and prolonged sense of sadness and helplessness, and they lack hope in their lives.

• Their emotional difficulties make it hard for them to function from day to day. For example, they are unable to concentrate on assignments and their job performance suffers as a result.

• Their actions are harmful to themselves or to others. For instance, they drink too much alcohol and become overly aggressive.

• They are troubled by emotional difficulties facing family members or close friends.

Source: http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/therapy.aspx

Who is a therapist?

A therapist is a mental health professional trained in listening and strategies for dealing with and improving thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

A therapist will: • support and encourage you • listen attentively to your experience • model a healthy, positive relationship • give you appropriate feedback • keep what you share confidential • help you find solutions to your own concerns

Source: http://www.goodtherapy.org/what-is-therapy.html#

What to ask when looking for a therapist: Insurance: Does your insurance cover this therapist?

• If you have a therapist you already know of, call your insurance company to see if s/he is on their list of approved providers.

• If you do not have a therapist in mind, ask your insurance company for referrals. They should give you a list of three people you can call.

• Ask your insurance company what the co-pay and other out-of-pocket expenses might be.

Location: Is the therapist’s office convenient for you to get to?

Gender: Do you prefer a male or female therapist? Oftentimes people prefer to talk with someone of their own gender, but it is different for everyone.

Areas of expertise: Are there certain issues the therapist specializes in? This could include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, family or couples counseling, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, grief, stress, etc.

Belief system: Would you like to meet with a therapist who shares your spiritual beliefs?

Therapy technique: Ask the therapist to share his/her basic road map or approach to counseling. What strategies do they use to help people?

YOU get to decide who is a good fit

for you and what approach to therapy

works for you. If you don’t ‘click’ with

the first person you see, meet with

someone else until you find someone

you feel comfortable working with.