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IntroductoryExperienceBill Harding brings thirty-five years of experience as a Clinical and School Psychologist.LocationI have been practicing in the Fox Valley area for many years. My private practice is in 'Ye Olde Farmhouse' on the Fox River in North Aurora, Illinois.Web SiteI have a Web site at FoxBillHarding.net (where you are now) and offer counseling services by phone or e-mail, by appointment only.Comfort, counsel, and clarity in extraordinary timesFirst SessionFree first session. The initial fifty minute consultation is FREE of charge.InsuranceI belong to several managed care networks. I am a preferred provider for many insurance PPO's and HMO's.
Methods and ApproachesEclectic, I draw from several different counseling approaches so that I can best tailor my care giving for you and our specific situation. I use forthright, caring and effective "here and now"-oriented counseling for individuals and couples of all lifestyles.My eclectic style uses Existential, Systemic/Holistic, Psycho Dynamic, Insight-Oriented, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Problem-Solving/Solution-Focused approaches or interventions. Psychopharmacology is often necessary these days when treating depression, anxiety, or OCD. Through you, we will work closely with a primary care physician or psychiatrist.
Office HoursAll office visits are by appointment.
The First VisitWhat Happens In The First Visit?The day is here and you have arrived for your First Visit with me. While you are waiting, take stock of the surroundings. Ideally, here is what you should find:
In an "ideal" therapy setting, I come out to greet you, and show you into a counseling room. If it isn't immediately obvious where to sit, you can ask; my chair may be evident, since I spend a lot of my day in it. Otherwise, sit wherever is comfortable for you. When you are settled, it's usually up to you to start; otherwise I may prompt you with a general question such as "What brings you here?" You can describe the problem you are having, or anything else that comes to mind. Don't worry about whether you can say everything with absolute precision. I will help you get a good start. In this First Visit, you can expect to do nearly all the talking. You can expect me to listen actively. I may not say anything at all until halfway through the hour, or may make one or two interpretive comments or ask for clarification. While you are talking, I will listen carefully, to evaluate your situation and decide on possible ways to proceed. For me to do this, I must listen to you, and not influence what you say, or the way you say it. Beware when I talk more than you do in the First Visit, especially about me. Toward the second half of the time, I should indicate whether or not I can be of help to you. I should then propose a care giving structure: a schedule of appointments, a fee, and any other related details. You have the opportunity to react to this structure, and decide whether to continue. Remember that this structure we build -- the schedule, fees and other details -- is not incidental; it is a very important element of therapy. This "holding" environment is an important step to set up the secure frame. The proposed structure should be clear and unambiguous, and should reflect safety, consistency, and containment. Though you may think, consciously, that flexibility on my part is desirable, the opposite is true. At this point, you need me to be firm and consistent (like a good mentor). Having agreed on the fee and on the day and time for your appointment, you are, hopefully, on your way to emotional healing. You say "Goodbye," and leave. Often I allow extra time for a First Visit. CLEARWATER COUNSELING
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