When are appointments offered?
Typically we offer appointment times between 8am and 7pm. We sometimes offer Saturday appointments but those appointments, as well as evening appointments, are usually gone quickly.
How long before I begin to feel better?
You may feel some relief after the first few sessions, however therapy may take some time to be optimally beneficial. Just as the issues you may have most likely did not begin yesterday, processing and working through takes time. With that said, therapy does not have to be “long term” to be effective. I utilize brief treatment approaches and my clients average approximately 10 sessions.
Can I talk to you about anything?
Yes, you may speak with me about any topic that you feel is creating emotional hardship for you. I treat a wide range of presenting problems and a wide range of clientele. Infrequently, I may suggest referring a client to an additional provider who specializes in the specific problem the client is struggling with.
If therapy is supposed to help, why do I sometimes feel exhausted and drained following a session?
You need to keep in mind that therapy is hard work but on the flip side therapy can be a life changing experience. Often times, emotionally laden and difficult issues are brought up in therapy, as they are usually the very issues that bring you in the first place. You can expect to have some mixed feelings about attending sessions from time to time. This does not mean that the therapy is not effective or that you should discontinue treatment. What it does mean is that you are getting at the heart of issues and closer to resolving your problems. Please, talk to your therapist about your emotions as therapy progresses. Keep in mind that just as you may have some difficult sessions, you will leave some sessions refreshed and with new insights, perspectives and solutions to your problems.
What is my role in the therapy process?
In therapy, the more of an active participant you are, the greater the benefit will be. You will be asked to identify goals for yourself, which will provide the framework for our therapy work together. It is important for you to express your feelings and thoughts openly. With that said, being able to get your thoughts and feelings out is generally not a sufficient condition for successful therapy. The work you do outside of therapy is often as important as the work you do in therapy. You will most likely need to be open to changing some patterns of thought and/or behavior in your life. I may assign reading material or homework to assist you with your goals to complete between sessions. You may spend the week processing what we discussed in session. Through the therapy process it is not unusual to have “light bulb” experiences where you gain insight into problems that have had you stuck. We will work together on uncovering what changes in thinking or behavior may be of benefit to you.
Does my insurance cover your services?
Most insurance plans have a mental health benefit. Often times you will owe a co-pay for each visit, similar to a visit to your family physician. Some plans require pre-authorization for coverage so be sure to call your insurance company prior to your first appointment. When you call your insurance company you may wish to ask if there is a deductible, if there is a co-pay and how many sessions you are allowed per year. You may also contact your Human Resources department if you are employed to see if your employer offers EAP (Employee Assistance Program) benefits. Often mental heath therapy benefits are offered by EAP and you may be eligible for several no cost visits.
Typically we offer appointment times between 8am and 7pm. We sometimes offer Saturday appointments but those appointments, as well as evening appointments, are usually gone quickly.
How long before I begin to feel better?
You may feel some relief after the first few sessions, however therapy may take some time to be optimally beneficial. Just as the issues you may have most likely did not begin yesterday, processing and working through takes time. With that said, therapy does not have to be “long term” to be effective. I utilize brief treatment approaches and my clients average approximately 10 sessions.
Can I talk to you about anything?
Yes, you may speak with me about any topic that you feel is creating emotional hardship for you. I treat a wide range of presenting problems and a wide range of clientele. Infrequently, I may suggest referring a client to an additional provider who specializes in the specific problem the client is struggling with.
If therapy is supposed to help, why do I sometimes feel exhausted and drained following a session?
You need to keep in mind that therapy is hard work but on the flip side therapy can be a life changing experience. Often times, emotionally laden and difficult issues are brought up in therapy, as they are usually the very issues that bring you in the first place. You can expect to have some mixed feelings about attending sessions from time to time. This does not mean that the therapy is not effective or that you should discontinue treatment. What it does mean is that you are getting at the heart of issues and closer to resolving your problems. Please, talk to your therapist about your emotions as therapy progresses. Keep in mind that just as you may have some difficult sessions, you will leave some sessions refreshed and with new insights, perspectives and solutions to your problems.
What is my role in the therapy process?
In therapy, the more of an active participant you are, the greater the benefit will be. You will be asked to identify goals for yourself, which will provide the framework for our therapy work together. It is important for you to express your feelings and thoughts openly. With that said, being able to get your thoughts and feelings out is generally not a sufficient condition for successful therapy. The work you do outside of therapy is often as important as the work you do in therapy. You will most likely need to be open to changing some patterns of thought and/or behavior in your life. I may assign reading material or homework to assist you with your goals to complete between sessions. You may spend the week processing what we discussed in session. Through the therapy process it is not unusual to have “light bulb” experiences where you gain insight into problems that have had you stuck. We will work together on uncovering what changes in thinking or behavior may be of benefit to you.
Does my insurance cover your services?
Most insurance plans have a mental health benefit. Often times you will owe a co-pay for each visit, similar to a visit to your family physician. Some plans require pre-authorization for coverage so be sure to call your insurance company prior to your first appointment. When you call your insurance company you may wish to ask if there is a deductible, if there is a co-pay and how many sessions you are allowed per year. You may also contact your Human Resources department if you are employed to see if your employer offers EAP (Employee Assistance Program) benefits. Often mental heath therapy benefits are offered by EAP and you may be eligible for several no cost visits.