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Counseling
Sonya Heckler, a licensed professional counselor, has more than ten years counseling experience and established her private counseling practice in 2001. Sonya's clientele includes children, adolescents, adults and families. Her specializations in counseling have included individuals and families through the foster care and adoption systems. She has counseled foster and adopted children, their foster and adoptive parents and families, as well as the biological families of children. Specific areas of focus include behavior problems; ADHD; learning disabilities; parenting issues; marriage, separation and divorce; victims of domestic violence; grief and loss; identity; trauma; anger management, and addictions. Sonya also counsels individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and esteem. Sonya has certifications as a parent trainer, anger management therapist, and animal assisted therapist. She is an experienced expert witness in the courts. She counsels children from the age of 2, adolescents, and adults of all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does counseling work? A: A much researched and debated topic, it is argued that counseling works in a variety of ways. It is the perspective of SCI, based on research and experiential learning, that counseling is a relational process with the potential to alter brain function, build neuronal pathways, and to change brain structures thus resulting in life changes, patterns, and behaviors. I say, "with the potential" because counseling is a collaborative effort between client and counselor. The relationship is of significant importance, as is the mindset, willingness, desire and effort on behalf of both the client and counselor to produce results.
Q: What types of therapies are offered? A: Due to the diverse range of issues SCI counsels and individual client needs SCI tailors therapeutic styles to benefit the client. Cognitive therapy, gestalt therapy, behavior modification, attachment therapy, play therapy, systems therapy, parenting techniques, and anger management are examples of therapies SCI incorporates into practice. We believe in providing services in a warm, friendly, inviting and non-threatening environment.
Q: What is the typical length of the course of therapy? A: The duration of therapy greatly depends upon the individual, couple, or family. SCI offers both short-term and long-term therapy in order that clients may be better served and accomodated. Dependent upon need, the client may attend counseling on a weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or as needed basis. Session frequency is discussed between the client and therapist in effort to determine the best fit.
Q: What about medication? A: Medication can be used in conjunction with therapy and is based on individual choice of the client. SCI does not prescribe medication and in the event that a client thinks medication would prove beneficial we will refer you to your physician. Please inform SCI of any medications, prescription or over-the-counter, that you are taking as this is vital information to helping clients as a counselor. SCI does not encourage or discourage the aid of medication in healing. Many of our services when participated in as advised have resulted in a decreased need and ultimately a discontinuation in the need for medication.
Q: What are the risks and benefits of counseling? A: Benefits resulting from counseling are expected and common although specific results are not guaranteed. Counseling is a personal exploration and may lead to major changes in your life perspectives and decisions. These changes may affect significant relationships, your job, and/or your understanding of yourself. Some of these life changes could be temporarily distressing. The exact nature of these changes cannot be predicted. SCI will work with you to achieve the best possible results.
Q: What is the cost? A: The standard fee for a individual 50-minute session is $100. It is recommended that a package option receive consideration. Payment is due at the time of the session. SCI offers payment options to meet your needs. Fees are based on the amount of time scheduled for sessions. Therefore, charges incur for any scheduled session that is not canceled 24 hours in advance.
Q: What about insurance? A: SCI offers competitive fees for the Hill Country and San Antonio areas and therefore does not accept insurance. Should you choose to bill your insurance company, SCI is happy to provide you with an insurance-ready receipt. Please review SCI's Position Regarding Insurance for more detailed information. | |
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