Frequently Asked QuestionsI strive to create a comfortable environment of inquiry and exploration - I hope my clients feel free to ask questions about our work. This dialogue often begins before we meet in person. Following are some of the things I’m most often asked before or during our first session.
Q: What should I expect, I’ve never been to therapy before? How long will it take? The answers to these questions depend mostly on the nature of the problems you bring to therapy. Some problems are situational and well-suited to a short course of therapy, such as a specific challenge at work (“I want to be able to confront my boss (or co-worker) about a difficult topic.” A problem such as this may very well be handled in a few sessions. Problems that are more generalized, such as, “I feel unhappy and don’t know why,” or “I’m not sleeping well and feel anxious much of the time,” may take longer to explore and understand. Each person is unique, and the variables that contribute to distress are unique for each person as well. It is most important for you to know that my commitment is to create a comfortable and productive process, regardless of how much time is required for you to experience healing progress. Q: What should I expect in the first session? The first session allows us to get to know each other better, and for you to decide whether you feel comfortable working with me. It gives me the opportunity to better understand your needs, so I can begin to create a plan for our work together. Q: How long is a typical session? My standard session is 60 minutes, though couples and families often prefer 90 minutes. Q: Should I stay in my relationship? Can you tell me what to do? My work with couples is designed to help them clearly identify their challenges and create strategies for addressing those challenges - all towards the goal of the couple being able to confidently decide the future of their relationship for themselves. As a licensed marriage and family therapist, my responsibility and commitment is to help couples learn about, and work to achieve healthy relationships, but it is not my decision as to whether a relationship should be continued. Q: Do you take insurance, and if so, which providers do you work with? My practice is private pay, which means my clients pay me directly at the time of service. This arrangement allows me to keep my costs lower, and to dedicate more time to my clients. Most importantly, it allows me to work with you on a treatment plan and timetable that best suits your needs. I provide an “insurance-ready” receipt, which you may submit to your insurance provider for reimbursement under the provisions of your specific plan. Depending upon these provisions, this service might be considered “out of network”, and for others, it may fall within the parameters of a plan which allows for the patient’s choice of providers. Each plan has requirements regarding deductibles and the percentage of reimbursement they will offer. Some clients choose to reimburse themselves from funds in their Flexible Spending or Health Savings Accounts. Q: Do you take credit cards? Yes, I accept all major credit cards. |
Make Choices for Today
Everywhere we look, we’re reminded that it’s time to shop, to feel cheerful, and to plan our time with friends and family. At various holiday times, we are encouraged to either reflect on the past or set our sights on the future.
The concept of “living in the moment” might just be the one that works best. As we’ve often heard, if we’re too focused on yesterday or tomorrow, we’re missing out on today. So, what do you want to create for yourself today? We know how to make those shopping lists and to-do lists, but how about these lists:
These are the things you have choices about, in spite of whatever curves get thrown into your day. At the end of the day, wouldn’t it be nice to be able to reflect with clarity and know that you created your day exactly as you intended...and not find yourself lamenting “where did the day go? I have no idea what all I did today...” |