What are the qualifications of the Talk Works professionals?
Is the information I share with Talk Works confidential?
We’ve already tried therapy and it didn’t help. Why will our experience be different with you?
Are there any issues you don’t work with?
We’re looking for pre-marital counseling but want it to be non-religious. Is this something you offer?
Do your professionals have experience working with non-traditional couples?
Since the sessions will be at my house what arrangements would I need to make for my children?
What else do I need to know about in-home sessions?
How do I know if phone sessions are right for me?
How do phone sessions work?
If I have started receiving services in-home or in a Talk Works office, can I then switch to phone sessions?
I think I might need your mediation services. How does this work?
What is the difference between counseling and coaching?
What is communication skills training?
How do I make an appointment?
What are the qualifications of the Talk Works professionals?
The Talk Works professionals are all highly experienced Ph.D.s, licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, and/or licensed Clinical Social Workers. In addition, our therapists are also certified mediators with a minimum of two years of experience mediating for the court system.
Is the information I share with Talk Works confidential?
Yes. All clients are required to sign an agreement with Talk Works prior to participation in any of our sessions that outlines the limits and requirements of confidentiality. We place a high value on confidentiality so that our clients feel free to talk openly and honestly about their most personal issues with the confidence of privacy.
We’ve already tried therapy and it didn’t help. Why will our experience be different with you?
Many couples and individuals find that traditional therapy creates an environment where they become more and more focused on their problems and the past. They leave the therapy sessions with strong feelings but without new tools for how to manage their feelings, make changes in their lives, or communicate with their loved ones without further damaging the relationship. Or people find that, while it may be helpful to discuss past problems, they don’t feel as if they are learning the skills they need to address future problems on their own. Still others simply feel as if the therapy process takes too long without enough noticeable changes. Because we offer a directive, solution-focused approach we are able to help clients reach their goals and make changes quickly. In addition, it is our goal to educate clients about the realities of what personal and relationship success look like and provide the tools to achieve and maintain this success on their own. This is why our clients have such positive experiences with our programs, even after having been disappointed with the results of traditional therapy.
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Are there any issues you don’t work with?
For couples, the only relationship issue that we don’t work with is spousal abuse. These are high risk relationships where both parties need to be seen by specialists. If you are in an abusive relationship, however, please don’t hesitate to call us for referrals.
For individuals, we are not specialized in treating substance abuse or severe eating disorders. We will, however, refer you to an appropriate treatment provider or facility.
We’re looking for pre-marital counseling but want it to be non-religious. Is this something you offer?
Yes. We work with many couples who are eager to learn how to create a solid foundation for their relationship, but don’t want to go their priest, rabbi or religious leader to discuss and plan their relationship. Our work with pre-marital couples (or pre-commitment couples who are considering or have recently moved in together) includes topics on: the impact of personal histories, values and dreams; money; sex; time management; in-laws and extended family; and many more. Couples also learn how to communicate openly and resolve conflict productively so their relationship will have both strength and intimacy.
Do your professionals have experience working with non-traditional couples?
Yes. We work with heterosexual couples, homosexual couples, couples who are in traditional marriages, couples who are in legal domestic partnerships, couples who live together and those who are dating. We are also experienced in working with couples from different racial and ethnic backgrounds as well as couples of all ages. Unfortunately at this time we only provide services in English, but don’t hesitate to contact us for referrals if you are seeking a therapist or coach who speaks another language.
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Since the sessions will be at my house what arrangements would I need to make for my children?
We ask that you make arrangements for a baby sitter to care for younger children during your Talk Works’ sessions. If older children (or other persons) are in the house while the sessions are taking place we ask you to notify them clearly that they may not interrupt, except in the case of an emergency. It is important that you and your partner are ensured of privacy and are free to concentrate on each other and on the counseling process.
What else do I need to know about in-home sessions?
There are many benefits to in-home couples’ counseling such as the convenience, the increased relaxation from being in a comfortable and familiar atmosphere (without bad overhead lighting), more in-depth and individualized analysis of each couple based on information from their environment, and a greater sense of privacy.
However, we have couples who ask about: the cleanliness or order of their homes (We’re not there to judge or debate your housekeeping skills), whether they would have to “host” their counselor (No. We’re there to take care of you and your partner, not the other way around), whether they would be able to answer the phone or the door (No. You will need to treat this time as if you were in an office), whether they will feel “vulnerable” or “exposed” by having a professional in their home (Possibly, but we find that this adds to the level of honesty in the sessions… and couples tell us the “exposed” feeling passes quickly).
How do I know if phone sessions are right for me?
First, although it may sound obvious, it is important that you be comfortable talking on the phone. But other than your own comfort with exchanging information by phone, research shows that this form of therapy is as effective as meeting with a professional in person. It is simply more convenient.
How do phone sessions work?
Sessions are typically scheduled 5-7 days in advance since Talk Works requires that payment is received prior to each session. Before your first session, you will be emailed or faxed the required consent forms and any other materials you will need. Signed and completed consent forms need to be mailed with payment back to Talk Works prior to the first session.
For couples’ phone counseling, the couple needs to be in the same room on speaker phone or with two extensions on the same phone line. Your Talk Works counselor contacts you at the number you provide at the start of your session. Beyond these practical arrangements, the session structure, information given, and support provided are the same whether your session is by phone or in person.
If I have started receiving services in-home or in a Talk Works office, can I then switch to phone sessions?
Yes. Many of our clients take advantage of all the various options we offer based on what is most convenient for them at the time.
I think I might need your mediation services. How does this work?
We work in collaboration with a Los Angeles based firm, Peace Talks to provide family law mediation services for our clients. Both Talk Works and Peace Talks pride ourselves on a client-centered approach to divorce and family law mediation. Mediation is provided by a therapist- attorney team that ensures that you reach healthy, cost-effective, mutually satisfying resolutions.
If you are interested in the mediation process and would like more information about scheduling, costs, and the mediation process, please contact Peace Talks: Peace Talks Mediation Services
8055 W. Manchester Ave., # 201
Playa del Rey, CA 90293
(310) 301-2100
www.peace-talks.com
What is the difference between counseling and coaching?
Counseling (or therapy) typically focuses on general issues related to emotional wellbeing and relationships. The focus of coaching, however, is on specific goal setting, achievement and life management skills. Coaching services are usually more structured, time-limited and directed to helping clients achieve specific outcomes. A coach acts as a guide, motivator, and instructor who keeps the client on-task and working toward an achievable action plan for reaching life, personal or career goals. In contrast, counseling has a broader focus on emotional and relationship issues, such as improving mood, increasing self esteem and life satisfaction, resolving past relationships and trauma, identifying unhealthy patterns in behavior and relationships, working through grief and loss, and improving coping skills in relationship to life stressors and transitions. It may be a longer process than coaching because it is focused on a wider range of issues and topics and is not necessarily targeting the achievement of specific goals and outcomes. Both services at Talk Works are provided by licensed therapists who take a directive, solution-focused approach to working with clients. Please contact us if you have questions about what type of service is right for you.
What is communication skills training?
Communication skills training focuses specifically on improving communication and conflict management for personal and/or work and business relationships. Our unique training program provides specific tools, and a specific system, that drastically increases effective communication and minimizes the interpersonal frustrations that are so common at home and work. Communication skills training is ideal for individuals who are eager to learn how to turn stressful conflict into productive discussion, those looking for outstanding relationship or business success, and people who want to feel heard and understood by others on a more consistent basis.
How do I make an appointment?
You may call us directly or you are welcome to visit our “Contact Us” page and follow directions to send us an e-mail, including your phone number and one of our staff will call you.
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