I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?

Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the courage to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. In our work together, I’ll help you explore and identify your strengths and how to implement them to reduce the influence of the problems you are facing.

What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?

The difference is between someone who can do something and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

Why shouldn’t I just take medication?

Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on the strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.

How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?

Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs.

How long will it take?

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say on a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them. The length of time counseling can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors driving you to seek counseling in the first place.

I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?

I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success.

My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual counseling or come together?

If you are concerned about your relationship, and you would both like to work with me, I would initially work with both of you together. Often times, when I work with a couple, I may need to see each individually as part of the couples therapy.

Why I do not accept Insurance?

As a fee for service provider, I do not accept insurance; clients pay me directly rather than going through an insurance company. This allows for you and me to determine the most effective course of therapy and allows for the highest quality of therapeutic services without the confines of managed care or insurance companies.

• When using insurance, insurance companies require a diagnosis for yourself or one of your family members:By law I still may need to give you a diagnosis, but this information is confidential and is not shared with insurance companies.

• Some diagnoses are not covered by insurance.

• Most insurance companies will not provide reimbursement for couple’s therapy unless one of the couple is given a mental health diagnosis e.g couples therapy is not covered under insurance unless the insurance holder is given a diagnosis.

• Paying “Out of Pocket” provides you with control over your Mental Health Records/Personal Heath Information.
• Please note exceptions to confidentiality.

• Managed care can sometimes dictate or limit the number of sessions and may not pay for services that you require or need. I believe in client autonomy and you and I will decide how long to maintain therapy.

• Managed care may dictate the type of treatment or approach that can be used in therapy and may not cover different approaches that are success full for treatment e.g. For the treatment of trauma, co-dependency, stress, chronic pain, relaxation, grief and loss, illness, anxiety, anger, concentration, eating and weight management, nervous habits, self-defeating habits, school performance, test anxiety, and/or sleep problems.

• Many clients have found that Mental Health Services may be reimbursed through your Out of Network Benefits, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), and Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) offered by their employers. ***You will require a receipt of service if you chose to use these options.