John Goll Counseling

Are there benefits to working with a male therapist?

 

The research is clear that what makes the greatest difference in the effectiveness of therapy is how comfortable the client feels with the therapist, and how much they believe that the therapist can be trusted, can understand them, and can help them.

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Although there are generally fewer male than female therapists, many people find that they prefer to work with a male or believe that a man can better understand what they are going through.  Many men say that when working with a male it is easier to feel accepted and supported when they are uncertain what to do.

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The greatest value may be in being able to relate in a very personal way to the majority of issues men bring into therapy.

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Why do men come to counseling?

 

Men wrestle with many of the same issues that bring women into counseling, but society teaches men that they should deal with these issues on their own.  As a rule, men come for counseling when their important relationships are in trouble.  Often they are experiencing anger outbursts, feelings of failure, affairs, addictions, or complaints from families or partners that they are distant, disconnected, or working too much.

 

Do you also work with women?

 

Of course!  I have a great deal of experience working with women in counseling.  I find that women come to me because I understand men's issues, and how those issues play out in their relationships.  Part of the clarity I provide for women is in helping them better understand and relate with the men closest to them.

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What is counseling and how does it work?  Is it psychotherapy?

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Counseling by a licensed professional is also called therapy or psychotherapy.  It is a collaborative relationship between an individual and a professionally trained counselor.  Counseling provides a supportive environment where you can have private and confidential conversations with a highly-educated professional who is objective, neutral, and nonjudgmental.

 

A professional counselor will help you make sense of your life, repair your relationships, and make the changes you want in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

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Is counseling right for me?

 

To help you decide, consider these questions:

 

• How is the problem situation impacting you mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually?

• Have your efforts to make things better worked, or have they made the situation worse?

• Have you run out of ideas, energy, or hope to deal with things or resolve the issues or conflicts?

• If counseling were as successful as you could ever imagine, what would change?

• Is a hoped-for outcome worth what it may take to try to get there?

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How can I pay for counseling?

 

Clients are responsible for payment at the time of service.  Cash, check or charge is accepted.

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Your health insurance may provide some out of network benefits for counseling.  Many clients submit claims to their insurance company and receive reimbursement for some of their out of pocket costs.  Before your first appointment, you should check with your insurance company to see what is covered and how to submit a claim. NIMC will provide the codes and other information needed for you to submit a claim to your insurance company.

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What should I ask my insurance company?

 

Look on the back of your insurance card for a phone number for mental or behavioral health or call your insurance company's customer service number.  Before your first counseling appointment, ask your insurer the following questions:

 

• Does my plan cover mental health services?

• Is approval required from my primary care physician?

• Do I have a choice about what kind of mental health professionals I can see?

• How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?

• Is there a limit to the number of sessions? 

• What is the coverage amount per therapy session?

• Is there a deductible?

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Is counseling confidential?

 

Privacy and confidentiality are cornerstones of the counseling process.  Without an assurance that what happens in the counseling room will stay confidential, counseling cannot be effective.

 

As a professional counselor, John is legally and ethically required to meet very strict standards for protecting your privacy in every aspect of his practice.  As a rule, what you talk about in counseling is private.  There are some legally-required exceptions to that rule which generally relate to information related to real or potential harm to yourself or others.  John will give you a copy of his privacy practices, or you may download a copy by clicking the link below.  When you meet the first time, you will have an opportunity to go over it in detail and answer any questions or concerns you may have.