Understanding Therapy: FAQs About Pathwave Counseling and Therapist Sarah Wareing

Hey there! I'm Sarah, and I’m so glad you stopped by. I'm a therapist and the owner of Pathwave Counseling. If you're thinking about starting counseling with me, you probably have a few questions swirling around—like what to expect, who I am, and how Pathwave can be a part of your journey. To help you out, I’ve put together some common questions that I’ve heard from clients, both past and present. And if there’s anything else on your mind, feel free to email me at contact@pathwavecounseling.com. I can’t wait to connect with you!

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I've never been to therapy before. How do I prepare?

You don't need to prepare anything special. All you need to bring is yourself and whatever is on your heart and mind. This is a space for you to show up exactly as you are. Feel free to bring a snack, your emotional support water bottle, and/or a comfort object if you would like!  

What issues do you work with?​

I specialize in helping teen girls and young women who are navigating anxiety, stress, self-esteem struggles, self-harm, feelings of hopelessness, and difficulties in decision-making. If you’re feeling a bit “stuck” and unsure about how to find relief, you’re definitely not alone! Together, we’ll dive into different parts of who you are to better understand your thoughts, feelings, and actions. My goal is to help you feel more whole, confident, and relaxed.

Do you work with couples/families?

At this time, I only work with individual clients who are 15 or older. I am happy to offer referrals for couples or family therapy is that is what you are looking for.

How long are sessions?

Standard sessions with me are 50 minutes. Occasionally, we may schedule a longer session if we are doing deeper work and you would like extra time.

How do I know if therapy is working?

You might notice changes like feeling less reactive to stress, having more self-compassion, and handling challenges in new ways. Progress can be gradual, and I will check in with you often so we can celebrate your wins and adjust our approach as needed. 

Do you offer virtual/telehealth sessions?

Yes! I offer virtual sessions for clients who are located anywhere in Texas. I am happy to discuss the pros and cons of virtual therapy with you depending on your specific situation and goals!

Is what I share in therapy confidential?

Yes. Your privacy is protected by law and I will not share what you tell me without your written permission. There are a few exceptions to this, including if I believe that your health or safety is at imminent risk. I will review these exceptions and my privacy policy with you in the first session. 

In my work with teens, I believe that trust is particularly important for positive change to take place. Therefore, I kindly ask that parents/guardians limit their requests for specific information related to session content to help preserve that trust. If I ever have a concern regarding your child's health, safety, or wellbeing, I will let you know and will include your child in this process as appropriate.

Will I be present in my child's sessions?

Typically, I request to meet with the teen and their parent/guardian(s) for the first few minutes of the initial intake session to go over practice policies, confidentiality, and discuss any changes since the appointment was scheduled. During the second half of the session, I will meet with your teen alone to start getting acquainted.

After the first session, your teen and I will meet one-on-one. We may invite you into a session every now and then to discuss progress or specific concerns. 

I recommend scheduling a check-in every 1 to 3 months to discuss your child's progress without them present. For any concerns outside these check-ins, feel free to email me to arrange an additional meeting or share brief updates.