Question 1

HOW DO I KNOW IF COUNSELING WILL WORK?

Accepted Answer

The most important factor in counseling working is the relationship you have with your therapist.  In my experience, this outweighs every other factor.  So, if in the fist two or three sessions you are able to establish a comfortable relationship with your therapist this is an excellent indicator that therapy will work for you.  Further, therapy will be much more effective if you invest in the process (i.e. work outside of the sessions).  
 
The eventual goal of therapy is to incorporate the changes you are experiencing during the sessions into your every day life.  If you read my testimonials page other clients have written about what has made therapy work for them.  I welcome open communication about this.  If at any point during the process you think something is not working please let me know.

Question 2

HOW DO I SELECT THE RIGHT THERAPIST FOR ME?

Accepted Answer

The most important factor in selecting a therapist is determining if you will feel comfortable around him/her as you go through counseling.  This can be difficult to determine before the first session, but here is what I recommend.  You should make it a point of speaking directly with the therapist over the phone before your first session. 
 
Other factors that are important include ensuring the therapist has the right training to handle your situation.  For example, if you are coming to therapy to work out relational issues with your family, children, or partner you should make sure your therapist is trained in working with marriages and families.

Question 3

WHEN CAN I COME?

Accepted Answer

Please visit our Request Appointment portal to see and book available sessions.

Question 4

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Accepted Answer

My standard rate is $125 per one-hour session.  In cases of extreme financial hardship a discounted rate may apply.

Question 5

WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I COME TO MY FIRST SESSION?

Accepted Answer

My goal during the first session is getting to know you and understanding where you want to go.  I use the first session to craft goals and create a road map for how to achieve those goals.  This process may entail asking questions about your family, job, hobbies, and other pertinent details. 
 
A session with one client may be entirely different than a session with another.  I try to create a unique environment wherein you feel comfortable to express what you are thinking and feeling.  This environment may look different for each client.  I also believe that I have to earn your trust.  I work tirelessly to accomplish this from the first time we talk.

Question 6

HOW LONG DOES COUNSELING TAKE?

Accepted Answer

This is a difficult question because it is different for each person.  In general, you should be prepared to commit to six consecutive weekly sessions.  After the first six sessions we can continue on a weekly , bi-weekly, or monthly basis.  It completely depends upon your unique situation and desires.  I work with clients that only come in for two or three sessions, and I work with clients that I have been seeing for years.  I am flexible and like to keep an open dialogue about this as we work through counseling.

Question 7

IS WHAT WE DISCUSS CONFIDENTIAL?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and therapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive topics that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist’s office.   Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone.  This is called “Informed Consent.”  Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone (your Physician or Attorney), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission.
 
However, state law and professional ethics require therapists to maintain confidentiality except for the following situations:
 
* Suspected past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, and elders to the authorities, including Child Protection and law enforcement, based on information provided by the client or collateral sources.

* If the therapist has reason to suspect the client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threatened to harm another person.

Question 8

DO YOU WRITE PRESCRIPTIONS?

Accepted Answer

No, I do not write prescriptions.  If you want to consult someone regarding medication I would recommend making an appointment with your family doctor or a psychiatrist.  The long-term solution to mental and emotional problems and the pain they cause cannot be solved solely by medication. Instead of just treating the symptom, therapy addresses the cause of our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach.  Working with your medical doctor can help you determine what’s best for you, and in some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action.

Question 9

DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we accept most major insurance providers.

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