Sunday, January 31, 2010

Online Therapy Now Available

Dear current and prospective patients,

I am broadening the scope of my counseling practice to include Online Therapy.

You will see at the top right of my page, the Online Therapy Messenger box. This box functions the same as any other private messenger system. The instant messaging chat session is secure and completely private, ensuring your confidentiality.

When you send me a private and confidential message through my website, you will see our conversation in that window. Others logging onto the website, at the same time, will not be able to see the conversation taking place.

Who would be a good candidate for online therapy?

1) Individuals who, for varied reasons, cannot make/find the time to come in for a face-to-face session (work, children, distance, disability).

2) Current patients who want to have a session but cannot fit a face-to-face meeting in their schedules.

3) Prospective patients who would feel more comfortable receiving therapy through this medium.

How do I go about setting up online therapy sessions?

Send an email to karen.israel@gmail.com letting me know that you are interested in online therapy. You will receive my intake forms which include informed consent information, confidentiality clauses, scheduling options, and payment and cancellation information. You will be able to fill out these forms through email, and once all is complete and your session time has come, we will begin with you sending me a private and confidential message through my website.

I'm very excited about this new addition to my practice and I hope for this to be a fulfilling option for any of you seeking therapy/counseling who cannot or do not choose the face-to-face medium.

Looking forward to working with you!

-Karen Israel

Friday, January 22, 2010

How do I get started with counseling?

This is a question I hear quite often when new patients call. So, I'll outline here, very simply, how it works in my practice.

When a prospective patient calls, I like to get a brief understanding of why they are interested in counseling and what they would like to get out of it.

I explain my diagnostic session process through which I discover the presenting problem(s), what the patient's hopes and expectations are for the counseling process, and the insight they have into their current situation. All of this will help me build a treatment plan for future sessions and ensure that the patient has every opportunity to focus on the goals they have set.

Another questions I hear often is "How many sesions will it take?"

The number of sessions anticipated to help a patient reach their therapeutic goals is virtually impossible to guess. I suggest you allow yourself the freedom to work as fast or as slowly as you need, with no time-limit. This process is for you, so be patient.

When the patient is ready to schedule a session, I will collect general information by phone such as name, address, phone number, and credit card information to secure their session time. Such information is kept in the strictest confidence, so there is no need to worry.

All that is left is to finally meet and begin the journey that will hopefully bring you closer to the life you want to lead!

Looking forward to working with you,
Karen Israel

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Why choose Karen Israel to help you?

Choosing a therapist, counselor, or personal coach is an important process that requires information and thought. Allow me to help you make that choice.

I have been a psychotherapist in the Dallas area for 10 years helping all types of people with the issues that interfere with thier lives. I have a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a master's degree in Counseling Psychology.

Countless couples, individuals, and adolescents have benefitted from my counseling process, and I have been so happy to be a part of their personal growth.

Issues like depression recovery, anger management, low self esteem, trauma recovery, assertiveness training, relationship healing and many others have presented themselves in my office. Through the success of my clients, past and present, and the excellent training and education I have received, I feel exceptionally capable to help people find their way out of their difficulties.

I truly care about each and every one of my patients and my number one goal is to help them make the changes that will better their lives- be they large or small. I can be firm when needed, and very caring when matters are emotionally challenging.

This work has been truly rewarding and I look forward to the successful years ahead and the wonderful people I will meet. I trust that whomever is reading this, finds the best therapist for themselves. I hope to be the one for you.

Sincerely,
Karen Israel, LPC

Monday, January 11, 2010

Turn 'Want' into 'Have'


It's simple... to change what you want into what you have, all you must do it give that desire a little attention.

The more you think about your goal, *merely think about it*, the more it goes from being a conscious thought to a subconscios drive. It will now permeate everything you do throughout the day. This consistent and simple attention to what you want will soon become a reality!

Spend a little time each day, or throughout the day, meditating on your goals. Think of it as self-hypnosis. Envision them coming to fruition. Your thoughts will turn into actions, and the actions will ensure that you reach your goals!