WHAT TO EXPECT IN THERAPY

	Choosing therapy is an important and life changing decision. When you enter into a psychotherapeutic relationship, the following things are important to remember:
	Confidentiality Your therapy relationship is completely confidential. Your therapist cannot release any information from the therapy process without your written permission. This includes even the fact that you are a client. If friends or relatives call to leave messages for you or to ask the therapist questions regarding you, we will be unable to acknowledge that you are a client here unless you give written permission. Confidentiality is governed by Wisconsin State law, and we take it seriously at the Clinic.
	Session Length Sessions are usually 60 minutes long, 50 minutes of therapy and 10 minutes for case review, charting, and consultation. It is important to be on time for your sessions since your therapist will be unable to extend your session beyond your allotted time, and the charge cannot be reduced if you are late. If you cancel an appointment, we request that you do so at least 24 hours in advance. Unless there are extraordinary circumstances, you will be charged for appointments not canceled 24 hours in advance. Insurance companies will not cover such charges, so you will be responsible for payment.
	Scheduling Appointments Appointments are scheduled through your therapist or by calling the office at 608-755-1475.
	The Therapy Relationship The psychotherapeutic relationship is a professional relationship. The relationship is formed to provide help to the client. After the initial interview and assessment, your therapist will negotiate a contract for the therapy process. This will involve setting goals and deciding on the methods that will be used to meet those goals. There are no hard and fast rules about establishing such a therapeutic contract. Some therapists rely on verbal discussions while others use a written, signed contract setting down the conditions of treatment, which is open to renegotiation throughout treatment. Treatment may include medication and/or hospitalization in order to best meet the client's needs. The important factor is that both you and the therapist agree on and are clear about what you are trying to accomplish in the therapy process. If you are unsure about your contract with your therapist, be sure to raise this issue.
	Client and Therapist Behavior in Therapy You may experience a variety of feelings in therapy: relief, anger, anxiety, sadness, or shame. You will likely have a number of questions. These feelings and questions are normal. It is best to talk about them with your therapist since this aids in the process of establishing trust, which is so important in the therapy relationship. Your therapist expects and is familiar with these feelings and questions.
	Feedback During Therapy Feedback about the therapist and therapy is welcomed in the therapy process. You may be asked to complete a questionnaire about your therapy experience sometime during and after your therapy. You may also wish to use a questionnaire at any other time of your choosing if there is a problem, complaint, or positive observation you would like to share.
	Therapist Supervision The therapist is supervised by a consulting psychologist and/or a psychiatrist. Supervision is usually done weekly. In addition to supervision, the therapist participates in continuing education in psychotherapy skills in courses and workshops.
	Phone Procedures Business office hours are 8:30am to 8:00pm, Monday through Thursday, Friday 8:30am to 3:00pm, Saturday by appointment.. Phone messages are given directly to therapists during these hours and calls will be returned at the earliest convenience of the therapists. After hours, calls are received by a 24 hour answering machine. Please do not call your therapist at home unless previously instructed to do so. Time involved in phone contacts which are excessive in number or length will be charged to the client.
	Baby Sitting There is no supervision available for children who are not involved in therapy sessions with their parents. There are toys in the waiting area for children old enough to be left unattended to play quietly. Please be sure the toys are picked up when you leave. However, we encourage parents of younger children to leave their children in the care of a baby-sitter while they meet with their therapist for appointments.
	Missed Appointments We realize that from time to time life may present circumstances that would cause you to miss an appointment. However, this is time that could have benefitted another client. We have, therefore, the following guidelines: You must call 24 hours in advance if you feel that you will be forced to cancel your appointment. If there is no call and you miss your appointment, the first time you will be billed ½ your normal hourly fee. The second time and all times after you will be billed at your normal hourly fee. Excessive missed appointments may end the relationship and involve referral to another clinic. Emergency circumstances will be considered with compassion for both client and therapist.