Thunderbird Oasis Counseling
Jennifer Slothower M.S, LPC, NCC

NEW ADDRESS!
18205 N 51st Avenue, #113,
Glendale, AZ 85308
Cell: (602) 740-8399
Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 8-6, Saturday 8-12
Other hours available by contacting provider.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What can I expect from therapy? Your first session will include questions about your personal history and details of the issue that brings you to counseling. During that time,a  plan will be developed of your goals and how to achieve them.

How long will my appointment be? The first session, you should arrive 10-15 minutes prior to the appointment to complete the paperwork necessary to engage in services. Your actual therapy appointment lasts 45-50 minutes (but not longer than 1 hour).

How often will I come?That depends on your situation and the intensity of your distress. Generally it is suggested that clients come approximately every two weeks until the clinician suggests longer periods between appointments.

 

Shouldn’t I be coming every week or several times a week in the beginning? Not necessarily – if so, it will be suggested. In order to have time to work on the things explored in session, two weeks usually works best. Weekly or (rarely) twice a week therapy is suggested only for severe situations that require close monitoring by a clinical professional. In the beginning, it is suggested that children (under the age of 10) go no more than 3 weeks between appointments as it is difficult for them to remember what is covered if a month or more elapses between appointments.

 

Why do I have to wait so long for an appointment? Most clients schedule several appointments in a row to be sure to get the time and day that works best for them. Because of this, the schedule is often full for 2-3 weeks.

 

Can I get in sooner? Possibly. I have a running cancellation list and you are at liberty to check the web schedule for cancellations frequently. My scheduling assistant is excellent at getting people in as quickly as possible. Please note that early morning and late afternoon appointments are a popular time and fill up the fastest

 

What is your cancellation policy? Please call as soon as possible or go to the website and cancel your appointment online. Other clients are often waiting for a sooner appointment. If you fail to give 24 hours notice and I am unable to fill the time with another client, a $25 no show/late cancellation fee will be charged. After two missed appointments in a row, the fees must be paid or no further appointments can be made and any on the books will be cancelled.

 

What kind of therapy do you do? Usually cognitive-behavioral brief short term solution focused treatment but other interventions may be used as appropriate.

 

How long until I feel better? And how long will I be coming to therapy? It depends on how long the situation has been going on, how severe the circumstances are that have prompted them to seek counseling, and how aggressively you follow the recommendations made in session. Generally, however, most clients end therapy within 6 months of beginning.

 

Can you or will you prescribe medication? No, only a medical doctor, nurse practioner or physician’s assistant can do that. But if you need a referral to someone who can, I will help with that.

 

Will you contact anyone about my therapy? Not unless you authorize it (i.e., your physician).

 

Will I have to lie on a couch?  Only if you’re tired and then it is your request. Most people find a chair to sit in or the couch to sit on throughout the session. With children, we often end up on the floor.

Will you ask me about my mother? Only if you bring her up and want to discuss her.

 

If I am bringing my child, will I be present for the whole session?  It depends on the age of the child and the nature of the presenting issue. Teens are usually seen alone for a majority of the session; whereas, children under 10 will spend a good portion of the session with their parents in the room.

My child says they just play games and don’t really talk. Is that true? With children, card games, board games, art projects, therapeutic stories, and sand play are a part of treatment. When using these tools, children are often unaware of much of the discussion that occurs and as such, don’t have much to report afterwards.

Will you tell me what my child talks about? Not without their permission. They are also entitled to the privacy therapy offers. It is often knowing that things will remain confidential that allows them to be more open about their concerns. But I will share concerns for their safety or well being if appropriate. For most children, parents’ involvement in the session makes this issue of disclosure irrelevant.

If your question isn't answered here, please contact me.