How does counseling and therapy help?

 

In an effective counseling relationship, clients experience new insights into their situations, clearer thinking, increased energy, better understanding of their feelings and needs, release of troubling emotions that have held them back, and a greater sense of wholeness and peace within themselves. Therapy is a collaborative process, and a working partnership develops between client and therapist. Therapy is not always comfortable or pleasant, as difficult emotions and old ways of being have to be processed in order for positive transformation to happen. However, as clients begin to learn and implement tools and strategies learned in therapy, they develop their new sense of self, and have faith in their ability to change and grow and reach their desired life goals.

 
 

Is everything I say confidential? 

 

 

Yes. All client-therapist conversations are private and confidential. Your private information will be shared only with your written permission to do so. As a licensed psychotherapist, I follow the legal and ethical standards set by the Board of Behavioral Sciences. However, there are some exceptions to confidentiality laws, that includes . . .

  • Suspected child abuse, dependent adult, or elder abuse
  • If a client is threatening imminent bodily harm to themselves or others
  • If a court order mandates that therapy records be produced.
 
 

What is the duration of a typical counseling session?

 

Sessions are typically scheduled for 50 minutes for individuals, and between 50-90 minutes for couples. Generally, clients meet with their therapist on a weekly basis to establish continuity, build rapport and to make consistent progress on their goals. 

 
 

How long does the process of therapy generally take?

 

The length of time a person spends in therapy depends on a variety of factors - the kinds of issues or goals that presents in therapy, the intensity or severity of the problems, how deep-seated some of these issues have been in their lives. Some clients come to therapy to address a very specific, short-term goal that could be resolved in a few sessions. Some might come to therapy to explore problems that might be deeper and with patterns more entrenched. This might take anywhere from a few months, and sometimes a few years. My approach (whether they are short term or long term issues) is to make the therapy process a very collaborative and action-oriented one. Success in therapy is often accelerated when clients are committed to their personal growth, and they are dedicated to practicing the therapeutic tools and techniques learned in sessions.

 
 

Can I use my health insurance to cover the cost of therapy?

 

I am not contracted with any insurance companies, and so I’m considered an “Out of Network” provider. However, you could call the member services department of your insurance carrier and ask them if your insurance coverage includes reimbursement for sessions with “Out of Network” therapists. If your plan does reimburse you, then I’d be happy to provide you with a monthly statement with all the necessary information to submit to your insurance company.

 
 

What is your cancellation policy?

 

I require at least 48 hours notice if a client needs to cancel a session or reschedule it for another time or day. Please make sure that you communicate with me via phone, text or email, at least 48 hours before your scheduled appointment time to avoid being charged for the session.

 
 

What forms of payment do you accept?

 

I accept payments via cash, check and all major credit cards.