PVFC: Counseling and Psychotherapy in Soda Springs

Counseling and therapy are two distinct forms of therapeutic intervention that share some similarities but are separated by several key differences. 

Each of these involves a safe space where clients can confide in therapists. In these sessions, you can share honestly with a professional, and they can help you to better understand your behaviors and feelings. After learning therapeutic methods from them, you can implement them in your own life. 

During both psychotherapy and counseling sessions, your therapist can teach you how to change unhealthy patterns, improve relationships, find resolutions, and develop positive coping skills.

They differ in terms of the solutions you’re searching for. While counseling is designed for short-term solutions for issues you’re experiencing in the present, psychotherapy helps clients work toward long-term solutions and deeper healing from past or persistent problems.

Whether you’re experiencing a very stressful time in life, struggling with symptoms of a mental health condition, or just looking for some support, counseling and therapy can be beneficial to you. 

Mental health conditions are one of the most frequent reasons that people seek therapeutic support.

Other common reasons that people go to therapy include mood swings, family problems, life transitions, and addiction.

If you’ve received a diagnosis for any of these conditions, you might benefit from our counseling and psychotherapy services:

• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Initial Session

Your first session typically involves an assessment, a potential diagnosis, and treatment planning/recommendations. After this, you and your therapist can decide if you want to move forward.

In this session, they can explain their approach and ask you questions so they can better understand your needs and goals. You can also ask questions. We recommend writing these down beforehand so you’re ready. 

You do not have to choose the first therapist you see. The goal is to find someone you trust, and it’s okay if it takes a few tries to find the right match.

Following Sessions

After your initial session, you can work with your therapist to develop a treatment plan. Your therapist may use one of these treatment techniques:

• Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
• Adlerian psychotherapy
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Behavioral therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Motivational interviewing
• Solution-focused therapy
• Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

1. What is your “why?” You’ll want to first determine what your therapy goals are.

2. Wear comfortable clothing to help you feel a little more relaxed.

3. Try to have realistic expectations. Therapy is not an immediate solution; instead, it’s a process. 

4. Before your sessions, take a little time to get ready. Remove distractions, focus on your breathing, and write down what you’re feeling. Also, try to arrive early.

5. Give yourself credit for progress made and wins achieved—even the little things. 

6. Be fully transparent with your therapist, but know that you can take everything one step at a time.

7. If there’s something on your mind, don’t hesitate to ask it. In fact, you can jot down questions beforehand.

8. Give yourself some reflection time afterward. This might look like speaking to a family member or friend or journaling.

9. Remember that your therapist is not looking for a filtered version of who you are—be yourself to the fullest extent.  

10. If you receive homework from your therapist, make it a priority in your life so you can make progress and benefit fully.