Who does Contemporary Counseling Center work with?

Contemporary Counseling Center works with individuals, couples, families, and groups in a wide age range from young children, teens, adults, and older adults.

How do you work with clients?

Bernice & Bob use their over 40 years of combined experience in the field of counseling to design custom treatment plans using a variety of therapeutic approaches. They have found that the same approach cannot be used for every person and so they choose from their training in psychodrama, client centered methods, behavioral, and cognitive approaches. They often work together as a team with couples, families, and groups. This allows clients to receive the benefit of a male and female perspective.

How do I know if I or someone I care about needs 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. "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." 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."

"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."
(Excerpted from American Counseling Association website.)

What kind of problems do Bernice and Bob work with?*

They work on a wide range of issues which can include life transitions such as divorce, and other relationship concerns, adjustment to retirement and other career or job changes, loss of a loved one, emotions stirred by chronic or life threatening illness, cancer, accidents, crime, communication difficulties between family members, social adjustment, emotional or physical abuse, effects of childhood traumas, women’s & men’s issues, self-esteem, confidence, and reorganizing the way one thinks about oneself in the world. Often people come into counseling without being able to clearly define the problem in their life. They may only be aware of feelings of anxiety, depression, or unhappiness.

* The bottom of this page has a comprehensive list of the counseling issues Bob & Bernice work with.

How long are the counseling sessions?

Each session runs about 50 to 60 minutes. Occasionally, when needed, sessions may be extended to two hours or more.

What length of time can I expect to stay in counseling?

The length of counseling treatment varies greatly. It can be as few as 3 to 6 sessions or for deeper more intensive work it can last from 6 months to a year or more. The decision about how long to stay in treatment is made between the client and the counselor based on the progress and the needs of the client.

Are the sessions confidential?

All Licensed Professional Counselors subscribe to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice which require counselors to protect the confidentiality of their communications with clients. Most state licensure laws 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, 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.
(Excerpted from American Counseling Association website.)

What about fees?

Contemporary Counseling Center is a private counseling organization. It charges “reasonable and customary” professional consultation fees. In cases of financial hardship, special fee arrangements can be discussed. Contact us for our current fee schedule. Contact Us

Will my health insurance cover my counseling fees?

Bernice and Bob are Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in New Jersey and qualify for 3rd party payment for most clients who have “out of network” insurance benefits. Contact Contemporary Counseling Center and a counselor will help you evaluate your coverage. For individuals or families whose health insurance does not include “out of network” benefits, special fee arrangements can be discussed.

What if I miss an appointment?

The time for your appointment has been reserved for you. The staff at Contemporary Counseling Center requests that you contact them at least 24 hours in advance if you must reschedule your session.

How do I find a counselor?

There are many different ways to locate a professional counselor. Some common ways include:

• The yellow pages listed under counselor, marriage and family counselors, therapist or mental health
• Referral from your physician
• Recommendations from trusted friends
• Crisis hotlines
• Community mental health agencies
• Hospitals
• Referral from clergy
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

Once I’ve found a counselor, what questions should I ask?

• Are you a licensed or certified counselor?
• What is your educational background?
• How long have you been practicing counseling?
• What are your areas of specialization (such as family therapy, grief work, women's issues, couple’s counseling, etc.)?
• What are your fees?
• Are your sessions insurance reimbursable?
• How is billing handled?
• Do you offer a sliding fee scale or a payment plan if I do not have insurance for mental health services?
• How can you help me with my problems?
  
  Some of these questions may be addressed during your initial phone conversation with the counselor and others may be more appropriately discussed in your first face-to-face meeting.

How can I tell if counseling is working for me?

The process of counseling is complex. The relationship between client and counselor must be one of mutual respect and trust. If the counseling is working, clients will notice an increased sense of wellbeing and confidence in their ability to cope with their life challenges. They will feel supported and encouraged to explore their inner and outer world and will acquire the skills to make necessary changes to enhance the quality of their lives.

Counseling Issues Bob and Bernice Work With.

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Phobias
• Agoraphobia
• Post Traumatic Stress
• Accident & crime victims
• Emotional or physical abuse
• Anger management
• Self esteem & confidence building
• Shyness and other social skills
• Couples Communication
• Conflict Resolution
• Life threatening illness
• Cancer, diabetes, MS, AIDS, Coronary, Kidney, etc.
• Hospice
• Bereavement & Grief
• Pet Grief Counseling
• Relationship Coaching
• Single’s Issues
• Separation & Divorce adjustment
• Adult children of dysfunctional families
• Parenting
• Single, special needs,
• Blended families
• Women’s issues, Men’s issues
• Eating disorders
• Gay Relationships
• Parenting
• Single, special needs,
• Blended families
• Geriatric counseling
• Religious & spiritual conflicts
• Career Coaching
• Job Related problems
• Retirement Adjustment
• Business

Contemporary Counseling Center provides a monthly offering, Dress Rehearsal for Life for addressing many of these life challenges. An interview is required for this advanced group counseling and training program.

    The Mourning After, a monthly grief counseling program helps participants successfully recover from the loss of a loved one.