Now teletherapy-equipped
9 Alliance Dr. #205, Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013, United States
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are new to counseling, included below is information on the type of counseling Janelle offers and what to expect from a session, along with fee, insurance, and location details.
Is counseling right for me?
Nearly everyone can benefit from a professional, objective, and outside perspective on whatever problems, struggles, or setbacks you may be experiencing in your life. Whether they are mental, emotional, relational or spiritual - your needs and concerns will receive the focused attention and best treatment to help you resolve conflicts and find comfort, freedom, healing, and renewed hope for the future. If your answer to one or more of the following questions is “Yes,” you are a perfect candidate for counseling:
- Are you having trouble in your marriage?
- Unsure how to parent your children?
- Overwhelmed by feelings that interfere with daily activities?
- Do you obsess over your food, weight and appearance?
- Do you feel abandoned by God?
- Do you need help making decisions?
- Are you engaged to be married?
- Is your blended family not getting along?
- Are you grieving over a loss?
- Do you wish you had better communication skills?
- Is your child or teen struggling?
- Have you been abused? Do you have an addiction?
- Do you need career guidance?
- Do you have a problem that feels overwhelming?
Answering yes to any of these questions does not necessarily mean you have a mental illness. It does mean you are human and there is hope for you and what you’re dealing with.
What are the possible benefits of counseling?
A few of the many possible benefits might be:
- Identifying career values, aptitudes and interests.
- Learning communication skills that enhance all relationships.
- Applying Biblical principles to daily life challenges.
- Strengthening bonds between members of families and step-families.
- Recovering from blows like divorce or trauma.
- Building and re-building healthy, fulfilling marriages.
- Grieving losses and finding joy again.
- Growing spiritually, emotionally and relationally.
- Receiving caring support, practical wisdom, and valuable tools when going through suffering and trials of all kinds.
Are you a Christian counselor?
I am a Christian and I am a counselor. What this means for me is that I acknowledge the work of God in the world (both past and present) and in the life of each person. I believe the Bible to be a way in which God communicates His love to people and guidance for their lives. My Christian foundation allows me to see pain and struggle as part of the human experience and to have a hope for overcoming or living joyously through those struggles. Often important healing needs to take place in the spiritual realm, as people come to understand how they have been shaped, hurt, and/or blessed by their spiritual practice. While I am committed to following Christ and will actively use both scripture and prayer for those desiring it, I also welcome others who hold other spiritual perspectives.
What approach do you use in counseling?
I use a systems approach which means I believe even the “personal” problems we face in life are affected by our larger life situations including the culture, community, and relationships we live in. Seeing the bigger picture means understanding better what is contributing to a problem and what approaches may or may not work to fix it. It also means including people naturally in your life to help you achieve the goals and changes you want to make.
Can I bring family members or others to my counseling sessions?
Yes! There are many advantages to including important others in the counseling process. Input from others’ perspectives allows for greater understanding of the problems we face, possible solutions are increased by additional perspectives, and when others are actively involved in counseling, they can provide natural encouragement and accountability, both in and out of session.
How long does a counseling session take?
Sessions are typically scheduled for 50 minutes and most clients are seen on a biweekly basis to allow for sufficient time to apply what is gained during the counseling session. In some cases, weekly sessions are needed to begin the process of change. Likewise, longer sessions may be used on occasion to address a particular issue in-depth or allow for involvement of more people, as in the case of families.
What can I expect from my first appointment?
Your first appointment will be 80 minutes. During this time, I will ask you about the issues that are bringing you to counseling and collect helpful background information. Our aim during this session is to give you an understanding of what to expect from your counseling experience, identify goals and identify the hope/potential in your struggle.
What does counseling cost?
The fee for a standard 50-minute session is $60. An 80-minute session is $90 and a 100-minute session is $120.
Do you take medical insurance?
No, I do not take insurance. However, receipts can be provided for personal submission to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement.
Is what I say confidential?
Yes. All client-counselor conversations are private and confidential. It is also confidential information that a person is meeting with a counselor. As a professional counselor, Janelle follows the professional ethical standards of the American Counseling Association. Only in rare exceptions when the safety of a client or other is at risk can disclosure of confidential client-counselor information take place. This includes instances of child, elder, and dependent adult abuse, which must be reported under Pennsylvania law.
Where are you located?
My office is located across from Panera Bread on the grounds of Chapel Pointe in Jarrett #3, Apartment 205. Parking is located just outside the office and is designated by signs (more detailed directions can be obtained when scheduling an appointment).
How do I schedule an appointment?
To schedule an appointment, call Janelle at 717.497.3991 or email Janelle@carlislecounselor.com. A variety of morning, afternoon, and evening appointment times are available Monday-Thursday.