Frequently Asked Questions

 

I'm a smart, capable person.  Why should I go to therapy? 

 

Research shows that therapy does help and that the benefits of therapy are lasting, with clients experiencing improvement even after therapy ends.

 

While you may be a person who is smart, capable and able to get through on your own, I believe that having an unbiased, trained professional help you through your journey can be an easier and faster way to get you where you want to be.

 

Choosing therapy can be a big step toward becoming the healthiest version of yourself and creating a life where you can experience more fulfillment and peace.

 

How do you work as a therapist?

 

I believe that therapy is a collaborative process that requires connection and trust.  I strive to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental environment that will allow you to talk openly and honestly.  I will work with you to identify unproductive thought and behavior patterns, resolve painful feelings, improve your relationships, or whatever it is that keeps you from feeling your best.  My goal is to get you to the point where you have not only resolved the issue(s) that brought you in, but to help you learn new skills for coping with challenges in the future.

​

How long are your sessions, and how frequently do I have to go?

 

My sessions are 50-minutes long.  Typically, I see my clients at least once a week, depending on circumstances and need.  We can decide together what makes the most sense for you.

 

Do you take medical insurance?

​

In short, no, I do not bill medical insurance for my services.  Please let me explain . . .

 

As a consumer, I completely understand that people would like to use the benefits allowed by their health insurance plans.  It’s important to understand, however, that insurance companies require the assignment of a psychiatric diagnosis (which becomes a permanent part of the person’s medical record) and, often, an explanation or summary of treatment in order to justify the need for treatment.

 

As a therapist, I believe it is my responsibility to serve my clients in the best way possible.  This means not only protecting my clients’ privacy and maintaining confidentiality, but providing treatment that is free from influence by an insurance company, or anyone else for that matter.  My work is based on the individuality of each client and on promoting psychological health, not treating a psychiatric diagnosis. In my experience, a client’s total trust that their best interest is being served and their privacy is protected, allows for the level of openness and honesty needed for a successful outcome.

​

If you have an insurance plan that covers out-of-network providers and you would like to use your insurance, I would be happy to discuss the pros and cons of this with you.

 

How do I get started?

 

The first step is to call to set up a consultation with me.  This step may seem difficult because, in our culture -- one that emphasizes "self-reliance" and "individuality" -- you may believe that asking for help is a sign of weakness.  However, the opposite is true.  Asking for help is evidence of the courage and strength you have to make things better in your life.