What happens if I see a therapist?

That's a great question, especially for someone who's never been to a therapist before (about 85% of the population of Herkimer County). People often feel strange or awkward taking their problems to another person for help. Ward will smile and explain that feeling strange or awkward about such a thing is perfectly normal - after all, we're used to solving our own problems, or relying on friends and family first, not necessarily professionals.

So what happens when you meet with Ward? Most everyone describes Ward as friendly and easy-to-get-along-with. He is nonjudgmental and open-minded. He listens carefully and asks specific questions. The chances that Ward has never helped someone with a similar problem are pretty slim, although it does happen on occasion. More often, Ward will ask you a few questions about the history of the problem, after briefly explaining confidentiality and your rights as a patient in his practice. During this questioning, Ward will be especially interested in the exceptions to your problem, the times when it didn't happen or the situation was much better, as he begins to steer you toward solutions. Early in the initial session, Ward will ask you questions about your goals, what you'd like to accomplish or change about your situation. Ward draws from many years of professional experience helping others deal with life problems, as well as unique specialty skills, training, and past successes with complex cases. From there, the rest of the session will probably be spent focusing on solutions to your problem. This is where Ward channels much of his energy when working with others: how to improve things, reduce stress, help you function normally again. Similar processes are used with couples, families, and children, but working one-on-one with Ward is an intensive and rewarding experience that is not driven - unless absolutely necessary - by past history, failures, or problems. Your time with Ward will be focused instead on solutions.

What sort of things can I talk about?

There are no limits to your conversation, understanding that Ward is not a medical doctor and although he has a thorough knowledge of both medicine, medications, and the human body, he will instead defer those sorts of questions to your physician, or one of the many he works with closely in the area. Beyond that, here are some of the more-common topics that Ward has had success helping others with in the past:

" Depression
" Anxiety
" Sleeping Disorders
" Major Life Changes
" Domestic Violence
" Relationship Problems
" Trauma
" Stress
" Assertiveness
" Low self-esteem
" Eating Disorders
" Sexual Concerns
" Anger Management
" Military Veterans Issues
" Legal/Mental Health Matters
" Employee Assistance
" Smoking Cessation
" Management of Personality Disorders
" Fears
" Educational Issues
" Emotional Support During a Crisis
" Obsessions
" Compulsive Behavior
" Difficult-to-stop Habits

Many people feel comfortable talking with Ward about what's going on in their life, but there are always some who would rather speak with him on the phone first, or send an e-mail to ward.halverson@verizon.net - all ways that Ward is delighted to set up communication. He is nonjudgmental and an easygoing listener with a long list of ideas, solutions, and answers that most people had never considered!

What are some common concerns that people take to therapists?

The list above covers most topics, but there remain many others, as our lives on this earth can become painfully complicated and stressful, leading many people to struggle as they try to sort problems out themselves, often unsuccessfully. Ward would say that, just like you'd hire a plumber to fix your sink or an attorney to represent you in court, you hire a therapist to help you cope. That therapist would no more fix your sink or attempt to represent you in court than you would try to fix problems that are our of your control; it's not just OK, but good practice overall to hire a professional for professional help. Ward takes all forms of insurance and uses a sliding scale system for people on Medicare or who have no insurance.

What about confidentiality?

Your confidentiality is powerfully protected by U.S. and New York State law, as well as a clinician who takes confidentiality extremely seriously. There is even a powerful new system of laws in New York State called HIPPA which particularly applies to confidential information discussed in a medical capacity, as with Ward in a session. HIPPA provides incredibly high security for clinical notes written down, which includes protection from the courts as well. However, Ward will explain the basic limits to confidentiality, which are just two parts: 1) if he feels that you or someone else may be in physical danger, or there is some major safety risk (such as suicidal thinking or potential homicidal behavior), or 2) if you specifically allow contact with another person about your case, and it's written down on a special format, only then can Ward breach your confidentiality. There are no other exceptions.

This means, ultimately, that your communication with Ward is extremely well protected, and you can relax.

Will I feel comfortable talking with Ward about personal matters?

Some people feel very comfortable speaking with a professional, licensed therapist, while others may not. Ward is sensitive to normal discomfort and will make small talk and joke around, gradually steering the conversation to the original matter of concern. For some people, the reason they came in for help turns out to be different than the more significant problem they're having in their life, but Ward eventually helps to find out what's going on, and eventually what to do about it.

Other people are more comfortable writing their concerns down, or speaking with Ward on the phone, or inviting someone else to come into the session with them - these are all excellent strategies and Ward is open to most anything that ultimately works.

How does Ward deal with really serious matters?

The most serious matters involve risk to someone's life. Ward works a lot with children struggling with out-of-control behavior, which sometimes includes suicidal gesturing, threats, or actual attempts. As a combat officer fighting for a year in Afghanistan, Ward never panics, handling serious situations such as suicidal thinking with careful sensitivity, helping the person who's struggling with these matters first through stabilization. That means making sure he or she is safe. In rare instances, police are involved, but only when someone is specifically unable to "contract" for safety. Sometimes an individual's personal physician, family member, or close friend is involved - but always with sensitivity to the individual's privacy and confidentiality. If hospitalization becomes necessary, it's almost always voluntary, and Ward is there with the individual throughout most every step of the process, especially afterwards as the individual returns home and looks to avoid such situations in the future!

The main thing to note is that Ward has been handling serious clinical emergencies for more than a decade, can be trusted to respect people's human rights and privacy, is well-connected to resources in the area, and treats people with great sensitivity throughout the process, although safety is carefully protected first and foremost.

Is Ward connected to other people, agencies, or resources in the area?

Very much so - Ward believes that close working relationships with others in the field is imperative to helping people make major life changes. Here are some of the professionals that Ward is connected to:

" Herkimer County PINS Unit
" Every Southern Herkimer County Police Department
" Every Southern Herkimer County School District
" Herkimer County Department of Social Services
" The Neighborhood Center of Utica, Inc.
" Family Services of the Mohawk Valley
" Herkimer County Mental Health Department
" Catholic Family Charities of the Mohawk Valley
" Herkimer Area Resource Center
" Center for Addiction & Recovery - Herkimer Office
" Herkimer County Family Court
" Bassett Healthcare of Herkimer
" Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center
" Herkimer County State Police and Sheriffs Department
" North Country Transitional Living
" The Resource Center for Independent Living
" Community Health Behavioral Services
" Runaway Homeless Youth Program
" Herkimer County Domestic Violence
" Alan P. Smith Counseling Services of New Hartford
" New Hartford Psychiatric Group
" Herkimer County Community College
" Mobile Crisis Assessment Team of Oneida and Herkimer Counties
" Child Protective Services of Herkimer County
" Herkimer County Veteran Services
" Little Falls Community Outreach

Why should I take my problems to Ward Halverson instead of someone else?

You should take your problems to anyone with whom you feel comfortable. The best clinicians are those who listen attentively and with great sensitivity, but are also able to help people sort out what's happening in their lives and start developing more effective direction. There are four private practitioner groups in southern Herkimer County. Ward Halverson specializes particularly in the treatment of children and families, but recognizes that working with individuals is the basic core of the family system. Ward will recommend a variety of other specialists in the area, as well, or upon request, based on an individual's, couple's, or family's unique needs.

Is it OK to get a "second opinion" about what's going on with me?

It's not just OK, it's always a good idea, and Ward Halverson values that decision.

How can I get more information without actually going in to see Ward?

This web site is full of materials related to Ward's practice and various areas of specialty, even as it's regularly updated or improved upon. Ward enjoys e-mail or phone communication as well, and will do most anything to accommodate people's unique needs. On occasion, or under special circumstances, Ward will do a home visit.

Isn't Ward really just a child therapist? Can he help adults?

Although Ward Halverson's specialty is work with children and families, he has worked successfully with individuals and couples for years - oftentimes their situations are less complicated and treatment approaches are simpler.

Where is Ward Halverson located and how do I get there?

Ward's office is located on 417 East German Street in Herkimer, just across the street from the Stueben Building, which houses WIC, Planned Parenthood, and several other organizations. His office number is (315) 868-1000, fax (315) 866-3174.

Click below for the MapQuest location:

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?searchtype=address&country=US&addtohistory=&searchtab=home&formtype=address&popflag=0&latitude=&longitude=&name=&phone=&level=&cat=&address=417+east+german+st&city=herkimer&state=ny&zipcode=13350