Welcome to

New Heights Counseling Resources, Inc.

 

 

Our Mission

 

We at New Heights Counseling Resources strive to create a compassionate and supportive environment where individuals, couples and families:

§        Grow toward healing and wholeness,

§        Transform life's hurts into personal strength,

§        And learn to treasure life as a journey.

 

 

 

New Heights Counseling Resources offers individual, couples and family therapy, as well as group counseling.  We also provide consultation, team building, and educational services to businesses and community organizations.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about counseling

(Adapted from the American Counseling Association website.

Used with permission)

When should you seek counseling?

From childhood through late adulthood, there are certain times when we may need help addressing problems and issues that cause us emotional distress or make us feel overwhelmed. When you are experiencing these types of difficulties, you may benefit from the assistance of an experienced, trained professional. Professional counselors offer the caring, expert assistance that we often need during these stressful times. A counselor can help you identify your problems and assist you in finding the best ways to cope with the situation by changing behaviors that contribute to the problem or by finding constructive ways to deal with a situation that is beyond your personal control. Professional counselors offer help in addressing many situations that cause emotional stress, including, but not limited to:

  • anxiety, depression, and other mental and emotional problems and disorders
  • family and relationship issues
  • substance abuse and other addictions
  • sexual abuse and domestic violence
  • eating disorders
  • career change and job stress
  • social and emotional difficulties related to disability and illness
  • adopting to life transitions
  • the death of a loved one

"Good indicators of when you should seek counseling are when you're having difficulties at work, your ability to concentrate is diminished or when your level of pain becomes uncomfortable," says Dr. Gail Robinson, past president of the American Counseling Association. "However, you don't want to wait until the pain becomes unbearable or you're at the end of your rope."

"If someone is questioning if they should go into counseling that is probably the best indicator that they should," says Dr. William King, a mental health counselor in private practice in Indianapolis, Indiana. "You should trust your instincts."

Joyce Breasure, past president of the American Counseling Association and a professional counselor who has been in private practice for more than 20 years, recommends counseling when you:

  • Spend 5 out of 7 days feeling unhappy
  • Regularly cannot sleep at night
  • Are taking care of a parent or a child and the idea crosses your mind that you may want to hit that person
  • Place an elder in a nursing home or in alternative care
  • Have lost someone or something (such as a job)
  • Have a chronic or acute medical illness
  • Can no longer prioritize what is most important in your life
  • Feel that you can no longer manage your stress

"If you're not playing some, working some, and learning some, then you're out of balance. There's a potential for some problems," Breasure says.

Robinson points out you don't have to be "sick" to benefit from counseling. "Counseling is more than a treatment of mental illness," she says. "Some difficult issues we face in life are part of normal development. Sometimes it's helpful to see what you're going through is quite normal."

What is professional counseling?

Professional counselors work with individuals, families, groups and organizations. Counseling is a collaborative effort between the counselor and client. Professional counselors help clients identify goals and potential solutions to problems which cause emotional turmoil; seek to improve communication and coping skills; strengthen self-esteem; and promote behavior change and optimal mental health. Through counseling you examine the behaviors, thoughts and feelings that are causing difficulties in your life. You learn effective ways to deal with your problems by building upon personal strengths. A professional counselor will encourage your personal growth and development in ways that foster your interest and welfare.

Who are mental health counselors?

Licensed mental health counselors provide quality mental health and substance abuse care to millions of Americans. The therapists at New Heights Counseling Resources have a master's degree in counseling which included an internship and coursework in human behavior and development, effective counseling strategies, ethical practice, and other core knowledge areas.

Over 80,000 professional counselors are licensed in 48 states as well as the District of Columbia. In Iowa, state licensure requires a master's or doctoral degree, two years of supervised clinical experience, and the passage of the National Counselor Examination (NCE). Our counselors are certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Participation in continuing education is required for the renewal of our license and certification.

As members of the American Counseling Association, we adhere to a code of ethics that protects the confidentiality of the counseling relationship; prohibits discrimination and requires understanding of and respect for diverse cultural backgrounds; and mandates that professional counselors put the needs and welfare of clients before all others in their practice.

Will my health insurance cover counseling?

Many insurance and coverage plans cover mental health services by a licensed mental health counselor including some Medicaid programs, TRICARE (formerly CHAMPUS), and other government-sponsored health coverage programs. Talk to your counselor about your options.

How long does counseling take?

Ideally, counseling is terminated when the problem that you pursued counseling for becomes more manageable or is resolved. However, some insurance companies and managed care plans may limit the number of sessions for which they pay. You should check with your health plan to find out more about any limitations in your coverage. During the first few counseling sessions your counselor should also discuss the length of treatment that may be needed to achieve your goals.

Is everything I say confidential?

As members of the American Counseling Association we subscribe to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice which require counselors to protect the confidentiality of their communications with clients. The state licensure laws of Iowa also protect client confidentiality. As a client, you are guaranteed the protection of confidentiality within the boundaries of the client/counselor relationship. Any disclosure will be made with your full written, informed consent and will be limited to a specific period of time. The only limitations to confidentiality occur when a counselor feels that there is clear and imminent danger to you or to others, when there is suspicion of child or dependant abuse, or when legal requirements demand that confidential information be disclosed such as a court case. Whenever possible, you will be informed before confidential information is revealed.