Frequently Asked Questions
how much does counseling cost?
The base rate for a 50-minute Individual Counseling Session with Bonnie Farnell, MA, LPC at Still Mind Counseling LLC is $150. For extended sessions, (50 + minutes), the fee is prorated based on this rate.
do you accept insurance?
No. I am considered an out-of-network provider. I will be happy to give you a superbill with the information you’ll need to request a reimbursement from your insurance company, although I cannot guarantee reimbursement.
is therapy confidential?
Therapy is considered privileged and confidential. I do not share information about my clients with anyone without their permission or request. There are some legal exceptions to confidentiality, which I will go over with you during our first regular session. Some of the exceptions are listed below:
●the client may present a danger to self or others
●there is an indication of abuse and/or neglect to a child, elder, or vulnerable person
●there is a threat by a prospective or actual client to jeopardize an entity that could potentially result in the physical harm of others
●there is a court order
●the client may present a danger to self or others
●there is an indication of abuse and/or neglect to a child, elder, or vulnerable person
●there is a threat by a prospective or actual client to jeopardize an entity that could potentially result in the physical harm of others
●there is a court order
how do i know if i'm ready for counseling?
In deciding if now is the right time for you to pursue personal counseling, you will want to be aware of both the risks and benefits of therapy. The outcome of your treatment depends largely on your willingness to engage in a process of awareness; identifying deeply held beliefs and emotions. This can, for a time, result in uncomfortable levels of sadness, fear, anger, and related emotions. It's also important to consider the potential benefits. Although I can not guarantee outcomes, you should know that research supports the efficacy of counseling. According to Psychology Today; “…in the safe space of the therapeutic situation, and in the presence of a compassionate, empathetic, and encouraging therapist, old and dysfunctional emotional reactions may be overridden by—or refashioned into— constructive responses. As difficult emotions are engaged, aroused, experienced anew, and expressed authentically, they may finally be processed fully into more manageable experiences.”
I'm happy to answer more questions about this during your initial consultation.
I'm happy to answer more questions about this during your initial consultation.
i've never been to a therapist before - do you work with "newbies?"
I love introducing people to the benefits of counseling, and offer a 10-session format specifically designed for "newbies." Just ask about this option during your initial consultation.
ARE YOU SEEING CLIENTS IN-PERSON?
Yes - I am actively seeing clients in my office in Crested Butte CO.
IS THERE A WAY TO DO COUNSELING WITHOUT A LOT OF TALKING?
Absolutely! Although "talk therapy" is extremely effective, there are times when expressive arts, somatic work and experiential methods work just as well or better. In fact, it's helpful to incorporate both a top down and bottom up approach which means we recognize that the body and mind work together.
DO I NEED TO BE AN ARTIST TO TRY EXPRESSIVE ART-Making IN THERAPY?
Expressive Art-Making is open to anyone and everyone. It's a tool that I use to help clients give voice to emotions, feelings and the unconscious mind. I am not a not a certified expressive arts therapist and do not use it as a diagnostic tool.
DO YOU WORK WITH CHILDREN? DO YOU WORK WITH COUPLES?
I have experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and couples. However; I am currently only accepting Individual Adult Clients.
HOW LONG WILL I BE IN THERAPY?
Some people accomplish a specifically defined goal in 8-10 sessions. Others work on multiple goals and may engage for several months Still others view their counseling experience as a long-term commitment to personal growth and self-understanding, and participate for several years. Every client is unique and there are no set requirements or expectations around length of engagement.
DO YOU OFFER GROUP THERAPY OPTIONS?
Yes! I offer multi-session groups from time to time. Past topics have included Mindfulness Training Series for beginners, MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction), Building Resilience in times of COVID, Support for Adult Survivors of childhood abuse, Cultivating Self-Compassion & Radical Acceptance, and Exploring the Self through photography.
"I wish I could show you, when you are lonely or in darkness, the astonishing light of your own being."
-Hafiz
-Hafiz