Is therapy right for you?
I believe that everyone could benefit from therapy. It is space to freely talk about your thoughts and feelings without censorship or judgment. Sometimes we are unable to do this even with close friends and family. The type and duration of therapy will defer from one person to the next.
How Do You find a therapist?
Finding a therapist is similar to establishing any relationship in life. You want someone you can feel comfortable with and trust. Not everyone you meet is going to be a good match, but you’ll have a good sense after meeting the person for the first couple of times. The process of therapy is often challenging. I can’t tell you the number of clients I’ve seen who have been traumatized by previous therapists or haven’t been helped despite being in therapy for years. You will want someone who is clinically competent, experienced, and possesses empathy and compassion. To see if I can be a good match for you, please read my clinical experience and therapeutic approaches.
It can also be confusing what type of therapist to choose. There are licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), marriage family therapist (MFT), and psychologist (PsyD and PhD). I find that most people do not understand the differences between each discipline. LCSW and MFT clinicians have a master's degree, whereas psychologists have a doctorate degree. All do therapy, but the training and education levels are different. The term "therapist" is a general term for all disciplines. Depending on the therapist, each person may choose to specialize or get additional training in a certain field. For me, I am certified in EMDR and Brainspotting.
What Should you expect?
People typically feel nervous or anxious during the first appointment. This is normal. When you think about it, being in therapy is unnatural. You are meeting a complete stranger for the first time and sharing very personal information. I understand this anxiety and attempt to make a person feel as comfortable as possible. It is recommended you prepare for each session. Consider what you would like to discuss and goals for treatment. Being in therapy is an active process. Sometimes I have people say to me, "I just want someone to listen". Simply being heard by a supportive person is beneficial. However, those benefits are short-term unless the person attempts to gain insight and make changes in his/her lifestyle.
fee
Individual Therapy (50-55 minutes) - $190-210
Please be aware I do not provide psychological testing. Recommendation of psychologists in the community who provide this service is available.
Insurance
I am no longer paneled with insurance companies. If a PPO plan is available, clients may choose any provider in the community for treatment, including myself. To use this benefit, full payment of the session is collected at each appointment. A superbill will be emailed at the 1st of each month. You are responsible for submitting this information to the insurance company for reimbursement. Some clients may also use their Healthcare Spending Account (HSA) for payment, if this is available.
Cancellation, Rescheduling, and Late ARrival Policy
I have a 24 hours cancellation policy. Canceling outside this window will result in a fee of $190-$210, which insurance does not cover. As a courtesy, the penalty will be waived for the first time. If you arrive late to your appointment, you will be seen for the remainder of the appointment time and be charged for the full amount.