Questions Are Fun!

I have never been to therapy/counseling, what can I expect from CLV Counseling? What are you (Christian) like?

A normal dose of nervousness, probably.  Talking to a stranger about feelings and emotions is not something a lot of us normally are taught to do growing up, and it can be a bit daunting to do at any stage in life.  Here at CLV Counseling, every client is treated with the utmost respect regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, relationship status/history, religious/spiritual practice, or political leanings.

I (Christian/me) am not there to judge you, guilt you, shame you, or blame you.  I am clinically trained to support you through empathic open listening, assessment, and by providing objective feedback. 

What can I expect the very first appointment (initial diagnostic evaluation)?

Lots of questions!  You will be asked to tell me about yourself, your background, and what brings you into therapy.  You will be encouraged to ask questions and discuss your goals for therapy.  I encourage you to ask any and all questions you may have about me during our first session.  This is your time to determine if I am the type of person you feel you can be comfortable working with in the future.

I see that you are openly Gay and seem to specialize in working with LGBTQ+ folks; What if I am not sure if I am LGBTQ? What if I am straight?

While I enjoy working with members of my community, I also enjoy working with allies.  If you feel comfortable working with a counselor who knows how it feels to be judged and shamed for reasons outsides their control and therefore attempts to avoid doing that in session, we will probably work well together.

You look very young...how can you possibly help me?

Thank you! I promise I am much older than I look (blessed genes). Since starting my career, this has been a common question that ends up rarely stopping a client from returning to see me. Researchers have found that regardless of age or years in the field, common factors such as empathy, respect, trust, and being listened to and understood are essential components for therapy to be successful. I invite you to meet with me and see if I am the right fit for you.

Do you provide crisis support?

No, CLV Counseling, LLC is not equipped to provide twenty-four-hour support at this time.   Colorado Crisis Services can be accessed at any time day or night at 1-844-493-TALK (8255).  If you feel you are in crisis please call the Colorado Crisis line, call 911, or go to the hospital.

*If you are feeling alone and need someone to talk to, please call the Trevor Lifeline at 1-866-488-7386 for immediate help. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7.

Are you privileged?

In general, yes.  Will that come out in session? Probably.  By the nature of the counseling relationship, there will be an unbalanced power dynamic in which I as the therapist have way more information about your life than you will have about mine.  Add onto that differing levels of identities and privilege that may come with those roles.  With that being said, I constantly attempt to check myself and maintain awareness of the counseling relationship and dynamics occurring in the session.  I fully encourage all clients to call me out on privilege at any point during the therapy process.

What if I have a question(s) that is not listed here?

You can either send me the question(s) via owl post , electronic mail, or feel free to reach out to me with a phone call :)  720-893-0264