Pacific Northwest Therapy - Compassionate Counseling - Mill Creek & Seattle, WA

F. A. Q.


	These are some of the questions we are asked on a regular basis. Please feel free to contact us with any other questions you may have. Who are we? What should I look for when choosing a therapist? Is what I say to my therapist kept in confidence? What can I expect if I choose Pacific Northwest Therapy? What are your office policies? How do I contact my therapist in case of an emergency? Should I seek treatment for depression?


	*Who are we?* Suzanne M. Snyder, MA is our Clinical Director and Senior Therapist. She is a graduate of Bastyr University with a Masters Degree in Applied Behavioral Science. Suzanne's work in the counseling field over the past 25 years has helped many people overcome their struggles with anxiety, agoraphobia, depression and PTSD.

		Mark Snyder, Executive Director, is responsible for overseeing the day to day operations at Pacific Northwest Therapy. He serves as an interface between the community and our organization, including our network of associate practitioners.


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	*What should I look for when choosing a therapist?* The most important factor in successful therapy is the relationship that forms between you and your therapist. It is essential that you choose a therapist with whom you feel comfortable. You are, after all, making yourself vulnerable when you reveal your innermost thoughts and feelings to another person. Choose a therapist who will challenge you to move beyond the limiting beliefs of who you think you are, helping you explore ways to make lasting, positive changes in your life. Back to Top



	*Is what I say to my therapist kept in confidence?* At Pacific Northwest Therapy, all therapists maintain the confidentiality of their clients. You can expect absolute privacy and confidentiality in the alliance you have with your therapist. With few exceptions, your therapist is prevented by law from discussing what you say during your sessions with anyone else without your consent. Back to Top



	*What can I expect if I choose Pacific Northwest Therapy?* All of our counselors are Masters level therapists, specifically trained in the behavioral sciences. All are Washington State Registered Counselors. The treatment we provide is centered on your needs. Our first work will be to clarify your immediate concerns and establish goals. Throughout the course of your therapy, you will be supported with guidance toward helping you achieve your objectives. Working with your therapist, you will develop strategies to improve your life by making positive changes. Our approach is holistic, one of healing mind, body and spirit. We take into account your life roles and responsibilities, as well as cultural, religious and spiritual orientation, life cycle and medical history. We are receptive to your feedback about what is and isn't working in therapy so that we can make adjustments accordingly. Back to Top



	*What are your office policies?* � Therapy sessions are 50 minutes in duration and are usually scheduled on a weekly basis. � Because your appointment time is reserved especially for you, 24 hours notice is required for cancellation or rescheduling. If you do not provide notice as required, you will be expected to pay for the session. If there are exceptional circumstances and you need to cancel or reschedule with less than 24 hours notice, please feel free to discuss the matter with us. � Payment for each session is due at the time of appointment by cash or check. � We do not currently accept insurance or participate as preferred providers with any insurance companies, in part because of their diagnostic requirements and limitations of treatment options. If you would like to use insurance to pay for sessions, you are welcome to submit receipts for our services to your company, but we can not guarantee reimbursement. Back to Top



	*How do I contact my therapist in case of emergency?* Should you need to contact your therapist before your next scheduled appointment, please call (425) 478-1644. If your therapist is unavailable, your call will be returned as soon as possible. To insure your privacy, all messages left on this line will remain confidential. If your situation is urgent, you should call 911, go to the nearest hospital emergency room, or contact a crisis intervention center such as Care Crisis Response Services at (800) 584-3578, or Crisis Clinic at (866) 427-4747. Back to Top


	*Should I seek treatment for depression?* Feeling down occasionally is a part of life; it happens to everyone. But when these types of feelings dominate your mood and mindset, they may be symptoms of depression. The self-exam questionnaire below is a tool that can help determine if you should seek treatment for depression. Back to Top

Mental Health Questionnaire This questionnaire consists of nine statements. Read each statement carefully, then pick the number below that best describes the way you have been feeling during the past two weeks, including today, using the following numbers: 0 - Not at all 1 - Several days 2 - More than half the days 3 - Nearly every day Over the last two weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems? 1. Little interest or pleasure in doing things. 2. Feeling down or depressed. 3. Trouble falling or staying asleep, or sleeping too much. 4. Feeling tired or having little energy. 5. Poor appetite or overeating. 6. Feeling bad about yourself - that you are a failure or have let yourself or your family down. 7. Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television. 8. Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed. Or the opposite: being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual. 9. Thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way. Interpreting your score: If you scored in the 10-14 range, you should probably seek treatment. If you scored a 15 or higher, seeking treatment is strongly recommended.

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