Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of counsel as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
How can therapy help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
- Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communications and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
What is therapy like?
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, each lasting fifty minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:
- Compassion, respect and understanding
- Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
- Real strategies for enacting positive change
- Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance
Is medication a substitute for therapy?
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you. It is well established that the long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.
Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?
I am not contracted with ANY insurance companies directly. To determine if you are eligible for reimbursement from your insurance company, check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:
- What are my mental health benefits?
- What is the difference in coverage if I use an in-network vs. and out-of-network provider?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
- How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
- Is approval required from my primary care physician?
Some things you should know before deciding whether to seek reimbursement from your insurance company:
- Insurance only covers specific diagnoses to pay for sessions. Relationship issues, parenting, communication, stress, phase of life...are often not covered by insurance.
- The diagnosis, possibly the treatment plan, and specific therapeutic information are not only required for reimbursement, but will become part of your permanent record. This information may be accessed by other insurance companies (health and/or life) and used to determine whether or not you are offered coverage, what type and at what price.
What is a Good Faith Estimate?
A "Good Faith Estimate" explains how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers, including therapists, need to give patients/clients who don't have insurance or who are not using insurance, an estimate of the bill for medical items and services. The Good Faith Estimate will provide information on your expected out-of-pocket costs. As a client, you will receive your Good Faith Estimate after completing your initial intake packet.
Do you accept Medicare?
This practice has chosen to opt-out from Medicare. If you qualify for Medicare and choose to obtain services in this practice, you will be asked to sign a Private Practice Opt-Out Contract to indicate an understanding that you will not be able to seek Medicare reimbursement for services.
Is therapy confidential? Will you tell my parents what we talk about?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. What is discussed in session stays there. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client. This is simple when working with adults. In the case where the client is an adolescent, it can be more difficult, especially when parents are paying the session fee. It is important that adolescents feel they can safely explore their feelings and honestly discuss behaviors and consequences without the fear their parents will get a "report". Growing up and becoming independent of our parents is a sensitive and fragile process. I welcome parents to occasionally join in therapy sessions with their adolescent children if it is appropriate. This gives them the opportunity to ask questions and share their own insights with the adolescent present. There is never a question of what was said and to whom. This also encourages open, healthy communication between young adults and their parents as they grow and develop independence.
However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.