Initial Appointments


Take the first step to a better you by scheduling an appointment

Come in to discuss your situation in order to workout a solution to help you overcome your troubles.
Call 610-762-2428 or email [email protected] today.

Lehigh Counseling building

What to expect during your initial appointment

The first thing that you will notice is that the office is based out of a 100 year old home in a residential neighborhood, which makes visiting Lehigh Counseling more comfortable than visiting a large agency. Also, a more exclusive and confidential setting is present, as all scheduling and communication is provided solely by William Dougherty. Insurance is not accepted at this location and appointment availability is limited. Furthermore, your insurance company, employer, or family members will not be informed of your participation without your express written consent, in that there is no third party billing. This eliminates the risk of your participation being leaked. Rest assured that all communication is held to the strictest standards of confidentiality allowed. What is discussed here stays here. Limits of confidentiality include any plan to hurt yourself or others or any situations that indicate child/elder abuse or neglect, in which case all counselors are mandated reporters by law. Other limits include submission of services to your insurance company, in which case your insurance company has a right to access your records.

What to expect during your initial appointment?

This information is provided in order to let you know what to expect during your initial consultation. The first thing that you will notice is that the office is based out of a 100 year old home in a residential neighborhood, which makes visiting Lehigh Counseling LLC more comfortable than visiting a large agency.

At Lehigh Counseling LLC, the atmosphere is quiet and inviting. Your initial interview consists of a few questions regarding the reason that you are seeking services and a gathering of background information. The potential outcomes of the therapy are discussed as well.

All information is kept confidential and the limits of confidentiality are explained — essentially any information that identifies a plan to hurt yourself or another person as well as any child abuse or neglect instances have to be reported — everything is held in the strictest confidentiality. A genogram and further assessment tools, such as a Beck Depression Inventory, may be utilized as necessary. The information is assessed and a recommendation is provided. If both parties agree, the next session is scheduled.

How does the therapy work?

At Lehigh Counseling LLC, the atmosphere is quiet and inviting. Your initial interview consists of a few questions regarding the reason that you are seeking services and a gathering of background information. The potential outcomes of the therapy are discussed as well.

A genogram and other assessment tools and psychological techniques, such as the Beck Depression Invenntory, motivational enhancement therapy, and/or psycho education, may be utilized as necessary. The information is assessed and a recommendation is provided. If both parties agree, the next session is scheduled.The therapeutic modality utilized during your initial visit is a Rogerian/Humanistic approach — specifically that of unconditional, positive regard and active listening — which means that you can be sure that your counselor will be working hard to understand where you are coming from without being judgmental. Rest assured that your story will be heard and you will be provided individualized custom feedback specific to what you need in the moment.

This unconditional positive regard will be present during each subsequent meeting as well. Each person is invited to move through the process at their own pace, with some folks needing more time to get to the core issues and others ready to dive in sooner. Once the issues that need to be addressed are brought to the surface, they will be treated through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques specific to their situation.Other approaches used to treat anxiety and depression include Mindfulness, Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Trauma Informed Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Systems Theory.

The therapeutic modality utilized during your initial visit is a Rogerian/Humanistic approach — specifically that of unconditional, positive regard and active listening — which means that you can be sure that your counselor will be working hard to understand where you are coming from without being judgmental.

This unconditional positive regard will be present during each subsequent meeting as well. Each person is invited to move through the process at their own pace, with some folks needing more time to get to the core issues and others ready to dive in sooner. Once the issues that need to be addressed are brought to the surface, they will be treated through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques specific to their situation.

Online Counseling and Other Distance Options Available

Many people have difficulty fitting office visits into their busy schedules and end up sacrificing a sense of well-being for their sense of responsibility. Don't compromise with yourself. Have it both ways by setting up distance sessions via online platforms.

Call 610-762-2428 for details

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Lehigh counseling office

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Location

Business Hours

By appointment only- call or email for availability

Monday, Sunday:

Closed

Tuesday, Friday:

12:00 am - 8:00 pm

Wednesday, Thursday:

10:00 am - 8:00 pm

Saturday:

7:00 am - 9:00 am