HOW DOES COUNSELING AND THERAPY HELP?

In an effective counseling relationship, clients experience new insights into their situation, clear thinking, increased energy, a 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 must be uncovered 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 Clinical Social Worker I follow the legal and ethical standards set by the Board of Behavioral Sciences.  However, there are some exceptions to confidentiality laws that include:

*Suspected child abuse, dependent adults or elderly abuse.

*If a client is threatening imminent bodily harm to themselves or others.

*If a court-ordered mandate demands that the therapy records be produced.

WHAT IS THE DURATION OF A TYPICAL COUNSELING SESSION?

Sessions are a different length depending on modality.  Couple, family and group therapies are 90 minutes each, while individual sessions run 50 minutes.  Generally, clients meet with their therapist on a weekly basis to establish continuity, build rapport and make consistent progress on their goals. However, couple’s therapy meetings are often bi-monthly.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS OF THERAPY GENERALLY TAKE?

The length and time a couple or person spends in therapy depend on a variety of factors-the kind of issues or goals they present or goals they present in therapy, the intensity or severity of the problem, how deep-seated some of these issues have been in their lives.  Some clients come to therapy to address a very specific issue with short-term goals that can 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 or long term issues) is to make the therapy process a very collaborative and action-oriented one.  Success in therapy often accelerates 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 so I am considered an “out of network” provider.  However, you can ask your insurance if they cover partial reimbursement for an “out of network” therapist.  If your plan does reimburse you, then I would 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?

When you book an intensive couple’s weekend retreat with me, I both reserve and block out the entire weekend and spend a large amount of time in preparation.  Thus, I require a 30-day notice for the cancelation of retreats.  In emergencies, if I can, I will do everything in my power to re-schedule. 

For individual, family and group therapy I require a 24-hour cancelation notice.  Please make sure to contact me via phone, text or email at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment time to avoid being charged for the session.

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

I accept payment of either cash, check or PayPal.