How can therapy help me?

Psychotherapy has a number of benefits. Therapists 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 therapists 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, anxiety, and other emotional difficulties
• 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

Do I really need therapy?  

Everyone goes through challenging circumstances in life, and though you may have successfully dealt with other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. You are taking responsibility and making a commitment to change your behaviors and situations in your life that need improvement 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.

Is therapy right for me?

Seeking therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. At times, it is due to unexpected changes and events in one’s life, while at other times, it is to deal with long-standing issues or problems with depression or anxiety. Many pursue therapy for their own self exploration and personal growth. Therapy provides insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. 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.

What is therapy like?  

Every therapy session is tailored 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, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. 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. You must be willing to take responsibility for your actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in your 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

Can I use insurance to pay for therapy?

Services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. You will be charged for your co-payment at the time services are rendered as long as we can establish that psychotherapy is a benefit on your insurance plan and that your plan will pay me directly. I can help you determine your insurance benefit before your first session. 

How can I determine if I have mental health insurance coverage?

Services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. Please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions:

• Do I have mental health insurance benefits?
• Am I able to go to any provider or do I need to go to one in the insurance network? (i.e., clarify if you are in an HMO plan or a PPO plan)
• What is my deductible and has it been met?
• If my deductible has not been met, how much of the providers charge will apply to my deductible?
• What is the amount of my co-payment for each session?
• How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
• Does it make a difference if I am going in with a parity diagnosis or a nonparity diagnosis?
• Is approval required from my health insurance company or a physician prior to making an appointment?
• Is there an approval code number that I should give the therapist at the initial appointment?

Is therapy confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client.

However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse, dependent adult abuse, 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 report.
• 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.