Dr. Christa A. Benton
LPC, NCC, CTMH, CYT 300

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the ability to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have some strengths that you’ve used before, that for whatever reason isn’t working right now. Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your past strengths. In our work together, I’ll help you identify what those strengths are and how to implement them again in what is happening now.

The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, if you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

Medication alone cannot solve all issues. What medication does is treat the symptoms. In working collaboratively with Dr. C, you will explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior and gain strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals. Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy. Dr. C is availible to provide additional support with you making this decision and becoming comfortable with managing your medication management regimen.

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. Dr. C tailors her therapeutic approaches to meet your specific needs. All you are expected to do is be present, be truthful, and allow the process to happen.

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.

It is great that you want to get the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication is crucial to your success. After all, your session will only be held once a week, bi-weekly, or in some cases once a month, depending on varying factors. It is strongly encouraged for those new to iRepair services with Dr. C to engage in weekly sessions. For those interested in iRelease & iRestore services the expectation is to start with bi-weekly sessions at minimum. It is important to be aware that any extended lapse in services without prior discussion with Dr. C may result in the termination of services. Regular and consistent engagement in therapy is crucial for progress and continuity of care. It is the work you do in sessions along with the work you do outside of sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development. If there is a need to pause or discontinue services temporarily, it is recommended to discuss this with Dr. C to explore potential options, ensure appropriate planning, and maintain open communication regarding your therapeutic journey.

Once you submit your message, Dr. C will do her best to contact you within two business days. Keep in mind this practice is independently operated by Dr. C. Her intention is never to keep you waiting but she is a human helping other humans. If you are interested in a service she provides or unsure of which service to choose please feel free to leave her a message. If you choose to work with Dr. C, she will respond connecting you with access to her virtual platform with Theraplatform. This is were you will have access to her calendar to schedule your sessions. If you encounter any issues with scheduling a session on the platform or if you notice any errors related to your scheduled session, please promptly notify Dr. C. Open communication is important to ensure that any scheduling concerns or errors can be addressed and resolved in a timely manner. By informing Dr. C of any issues, you can work together to find a suitable solution and ensure a smooth and successful session. To ensure a smooth process, it is kindly requested that you complete the initial/intake paperwork electronically through our platform at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled session. This allows Dr. C to efficiently handle the necessary paperwork and ensures that she will have all the essential information needed before your first session.

The link for the scheduled session will be provided from the platform used for virtual services, Theraplatform. Dr. C will be alerted once you are online and will be able to initiate the video session. Virtual sessions are to be treated the same as you would if it were a traditional face-to-face setting. Please ensure that you are in a comfortable and private space where you feel at ease to fully engage in the session. All that is required of you is to come as yourself. It is advised that you test your connection with the platform before your session, there is a feature on the platform for you to do this. To avoid any potential disconnections/disruptions during our session it is requested that you: -activate the "Do Not Disturb" mode if using your phone, -make sure your devices are charged an have enough battery power for the length of the session, -make sure your headset is charged and working apporpriately with your device for the session. Doing these things will help ensure uninterrupted communication and allow us to focus fully on our conversation. By chance if you are disconnected from the session or experience some technical difficulty, please attempt to log back into the session. Dr. C will make attempts to reach you via the platform.. If not successful she will text/call you from her HIPPA compliant number.

Should you feel in need of urgent help or that you are in crisis at any time: -Please call 988 The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline; or 911 for any medical emergency. -Veterans Crisis Line- 24/7 confidential crisis support for veterans and there loved ones dial 988 then press 1 or Text 838255 You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. -Call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline 24/7 (1-800) 4-A-Child or (1-800) 422-4453