Bonni Klingerman, M.A. Licensed Psychologist

Let's talk about talking ... what's counseling all about?

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Let's talk about talking ... what's counseling all about?
Contacting My Office
Office Location
My Policies
Woman of Faith

Counseling isn't like talking between friends ...

  • It's totally between you and me (it's private*)
  • It's based on the truth ... so sometimes you may hear things that make you feel uncomfortable ... but remember ... often  we have to feel uncomfortable to become comfortable.
  • It's all about YOU  ... we talk and work on what you have decided to work on ... our "contract" (see samples).

HOW "PRIVATE IS "PRIVATE"?
 

What you say in my office stays in my office*. Federal and State laws prohibit me from sharing information about you without your permission.

*You should know there are a few instances when the law states that your personal information must be shared. For example:

  • If you're planning to hurt yourself (suicide),
  • If you're planning to hurt another,
  • If a child is being hurt,
  • If you can't take care of yourself.
Private and Confidential
Under lock & key
Key

Collection CD-Rom
 
Over 300 useful and fun programs for home and office. Utilities, games, educational software... be ready to spend some time with this one!
$19.95

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Database Integration
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QUESTION: Hi Bonni, I'm 27. I have trouble sleeping almost every night. I'm not worrying, anxious or depressed, but start to feel frustrated as I toss and turn trying to fall asleep. My doctor did blood tests/physical and says there's nothing wrong. He wants to prescribe medication, what do you think? "Mary"

ANSWER: Mary, I usually say "try skills before pills". Sleep problems can be from depression, worry, or physical but you say that's not the issue. Here's some ideas to try to improve your sleep before you try pills. It’s called “sleep hygiene”:

  1. Keep your room dark (no night light!)
  2. Remember your bed is for sleeping, it’s not an entertainment center. Take the T.V. out of the bedroom – teach your body to sleep in bed.
  3. Don’t eat in bed.
  4. Thirty minutes before bedtime, prepare for sleep with dim lights and a non-stimulating exercise (like a cross word puzzle or light reading).
  5. Please try to exercise, eat heavy foods or shower at least two hours before bedtime.
  6. No alcohol before bed .. yes you may fall asleep, but it won't allow restful sleep.

Hope this works! Let me know how it goes. 

 

 

 

  

 

E-mail questions & comments to:
blklingerman@verizon.net

Bonni Klingerman, Psychologist
Ashland, PA 17921 Telephone: (570)875-3241