Navigating Life’s Challenges With You
Milestone Counseling Inc., your trusted St. Cloud Counselors. Contact us today for a safe place to heal and grow from life’s challenges.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy is a tool that people can use to help better understand their thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns. Through this understanding, they can find a path to a greater sense of well-being and improved functioning.
Couples Therapy
Couples therapy is an opportunity for committed partners to identify the beliefs and behaviors that are keeping them stuck in unsatisfying patterns of engagement. Couples can learn communication and conflict resolution skills to help them develop the kind of connection they would like to have in their relationship.
Family Therapy
Family therapy allows family members to explore and resolve conflicts, improve understanding and communication, and to develop tolerance for differences to improve family relationships.
Child & Adolescent Therapy
Children and adolescent therapy allows youth between the ages of 6-17 to explore their feelings with someone outside of the family system or friend group. They can learn strategies to help regulate their emotions and behaviors, as well as, improve their communication skills. Parents may also receive parenting support and guidance as a part of the therapy.
EDMR
EMDR is a treatment protocol that uses alternating bilateral stimulation (physical sensation, sound, or a visual effect that moves from one side of the body to the other) for treating trauma and other negative life experiences. It is very effective in helping neutralize the emotional dysregulation, memories, or physical sensations that are distressing or bothersome to the individual.
Play Therapy
Play therapy is a modem of therapy that is primarily used with children in which they can express and process their feelings through the language of play.
What will the therapist think of me?
Many people fear that the therapist will judge them harshly when the therapist hears their story. Please know that we are aware of how difficult it is to come to that first appointment and tell your story. Part of our role as therapist is to be a witness to your journey, not to judge it.
Will I feel embarrassed?
We can’t tell you not to feel embarrassed as people have a right to their feelings. However, we can explain that therapy can be a very vulnerable experience and that can feel uncomfortable at times. But therapy can also be a highly rewarding experience when positive changes occur.
How Will I Know What to Say?
The therapists are trained to help guide you through the session, even if you are unsure of what to say, or how to say something.
What if I cry?
Many people feel uncomfortable about crying, but it is healthy. It is just a way for your body to release some emotional energy, much like steam from a tea kettle. We hope you feel so supported and understood in this environment that if tears come to you, it will feel natural and okay.
Shouldn't I be able to fix my own problems?
Well first of all, we can assure you that we will not be fixing your problems. That is your job. You decide on your goals, and we can help you navigate toward those goals, but in the end the work is all yours. We cannot “make you” do anything, therefore, once you leave our office, it’s all you! Furthermore, people do not think twice about asking a doctor for medical advice or a financial planner for financial advice because those are not everyone’s area of expertise. Sometimes we look to others for guidance. Therapy exists for the same reason as financial planners and medical providers.
How Long is My Therapy Session?
The session is approximately 45 minutes long. At the end of the session the therapist will clarify with you, your goals for therapy and share ideas for how they can help guide you. If you are in agreement with continuing therapy, you and your therapist will schedule any follow-up appointments.
How Will I Feel After My Session?
As you are leaving your appointment you may feel a variety of emotions, ranging from anxiety to a great sense of relief having shared your story. Whatever your reaction, please feel free to discuss your experience with your therapist to help you process any thoughts and/or feelings during that vulnerable time.
Your information is totally confidential and you do not have to worry about it getting spread amongst your family or friends.
Because we are not a part of your “real world” we do not have a personal investment in your choices, therefore you can freely express yourself without fear of backlash or judgments. We will however offer guidance based on your desired goals.
Because we are not a part of your “real world” you also have no emotional attachment to us which also makes it easier to be open to ideas or possibilities that we may suggest versus hearing it from your significant other, parent, or friend.
Therapy provides clients with an opportunity to get a less biased, more objective opinion about things, and the therapist can function like a sounding board.
Where else in your life do you get 45 minutes of someone’s undivided attention? Where else in your life would you give yourself 45 minutes of your own undivided attention?
Promoting the success
and growth of individuals