Frequently Asked Questions
about Couples Counseling
What hours are you available for appointments?
I am currently in my office Monday through Friday, with appointment times from 9:30 am until 7:00 PM. Appointments are usually scheduled on the hour and half hour.
What can I expect from the counseling process?
During the initial telephone consultation, you and I will discuss, in general, your needs for counseling and then discuss the next step to take. I typically recommend that we schedule our first in person meeting to provide a more in depth picture of your concerns.
In this session I may ask you about:
- Your current situation, how long has it been going on, and what are your efforts to deal with it.
- How have you dealt with stressful situations in the past.
- Your personal support system and history of family, peer, and intimate relationships.
- Your goals for counseling.
When you meet with couples do you meet with both partners together or will you schedule individual sessions as well?
I prefer to see you as a couple together for the first 2-3 sessions, and then depending on the comfort level of the couple and the need, I may recommend seeing the members of the couple individually as well. That said, however, at times I begin by seeing someone individually and then later bring their spouse in for couples counseling sessions.
How often do we need to schedule appointments and for how long?
For the first 4 to 6 sessions, I recommend once a week sessions, after that time, we can discuss the frequency of sessions. The length of time you are in counseling depends on many factors. Counseling that brings about change requires a commitment of time, effort, and desire for change. I ask the individuals and couples I see to make every effort to commit to the counseling process. Counseling is a collaborative process which I will help you bring to a close when you are ready.
Do you give feedback and direction? What is your style?
Creating a safe place for you to talk and share your inner most concerns is my first priority. One of the ways I help to create a safe, nonjudgmental place to talk is by supporting an active dialogue between the two or three of us. I want to hear what you have to say much more than I want to talk, but I bring something important to the table as part of the discussion in which we work together to find understanding and direction that fits for you as you confront life's challenges. I know where we are going, and I can help direct you through the process in a way that is clear and most importantly, useful. Give me a call! You can do this...we can talk about what would work best for you and your relationship.
I'd like to invite you to email me at JBDCounseling@aol.com to:
Contact Julienne Derichs
Call 847 266-8484 or
All information on this page is intended for advertising and personal use purposes only and is not intended for therapeutic or legal reasons. All information herein is the property of Julienne B. Derichs, MS, LCPC. Julienne B. Derichs accepts no liability for the content of this site or damages that may result from use, reference to, reliance on, or decisions resulting from its use. Use of this site determines your agreement to this disclaimer. Copyright 2009.
