Who typically comes in for therapy/counseling with Justin?
Therapy is for anyone who is seeking to change their life and upgrade their way of living. I help people wanting to think and feel different, most visit me because they want to feel better and life better. Some people see me as they want a relationship tuned up, people needing tools and help to work through anxiety, some have been battling chronic depression, other see me seeking a solid strong marriage, others come wanting to tackle and overcome addiction, people who want to work through past trauma with EMDR or Brainspotting, someone in a crisis of faith/faith transition, people who just want a few sessions for some direction at the moment … the list could go on and on.

What makes Justin Stum different?

• 20+ years of private practice
• Over 33,000 hours of therapy hours conducted
• AAMFT Supervisor of Therapists-In-Training
• EMDR and BSP Trained – Trauma Treatment
• Learn more about why working with Justin is different, treatment history and advanced training. Find out here.
• Read 50+ articles written by Justin about emotional health. Find out here.

Do you take insurance? 
I am a part of a group practice, and we currently are in-network with Select Health, BlueCross, United Health, and EMI; we also take private pay clients just as well. You can call our offices at 435-216-8839 and we can run a verification of benefits (VOB) for you to determine your benefits and if your plan is compatible with our practice, as there are several therapists that can see you all covered by these insurances too. You can visit us at Elevated Counseling and Wellness.

Is therapy worth the time and financial investment? 
Yes, it absolutely is! Honestly, the question isn’t about if therapy is worth it or of value … the question is really about how much you value your happiness, how much you want a life of joy and fulfillment. Do you want to be at peace and thriving in your life? We invest in what we value.

Is the counseling you offer confidential?
Absolutely. The law protects the confidentiality of clients regarding any and all communications between the client and me the therapist. No information can or will be expressed without prior written permission from the client. Read my blog article on confidentiality and counseling.

How do I know if I really need counseling and therapy?
All people go through ups and downs in their relationships throughout the course of their lives. You may have successfully managed in most situations and most relationships, there is nothing wrong with seeking additional support and direction through counseling. Counseling and therapy is for people that are self-aware enough to know they would like some extra support and answers. Some come to my office with a long history of issues while others come for a few sessions to get answers and grasp a better handle on how they can move forward and through their life.

How do I know how often I need to come in for therapy?
That question is entirely based on your needs and your history. I generally can assess this on the first session based on the issues and problems that bring you into therapy. I find most clients try to strike a balance with their needs and their budget in terms of what works for them. This is an item that we discuss during your first visit based on your needs/wants and my clinical recommendation.

I’ve never been to a counselor before, what is it like in a typical session?
First, you will want to ensure you read my article on your first therapy session. Every session is unique and is determined by the individual’s needs and desires for seeking help. It is common for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns that bring the client into therapy. It’s often common to schedule weekly sessions or bi-monthly sessions and each session lasts around an hour. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issues or an aggregate of issues; it can also be more long-term and address chronic patterns and relational difficulties. Often I have clients do ‘homework’, tasks, readings, and assignments that will support what they are doing in therapy. The research indicates that in order for therapy to be effective the participant must take an active role in the process.

How do I know if I need medication for my difficulties?
For some individuals a combination of medication and therapy is the best course to obtain the results the individual is seeking. I am not a ‘pusher’ or heavy advocate of medication. I have seen medication to be a strong support and at times needful to assist clients in tackling their present issues. I work with doctors and nurse practitioners often to be help in a holistic manner meet the client’s needs. Having an integrative approach to wellness can be achieved by therapy and counseling in some cases using medication to assist in the process.

Was there a question that I did not answer or you’d like more details on?
I am happy to answer any questions you have. Feel free to email me at justin.stum.lmft [at] gmail.com or call me on my confidential line at 435.574.9193 There is no charge for answering any questions.