Facts and Questions About Therapy
How do I know if therapy is for me?
Change can feel scary, are you ready for that change?
Individuals choose to seek counseling for many reasons, to name a few: difficult life transitions, conflict resolution, processing traumatic events, personal growth, and looking for deeper meaning and connection. Therapy is for anyone ready to take responsibility for their life. Therapy requires work both during and outside of the session for a successful therapeutic outcome. It takes a willingness to look within yourself and take accountability to make the change you desire for your life.
How long does therapy last and how frequently?
Change takes time.
I recommend a minimum of three months of attending weekly counseling appointments. The length of time spent in therapy depends on what brings you to therapy.
* Short-term therapy (3-6 months) may be more appropriate for addressing a specific goal or issue.
* Long-term therapy (a year or longer) may be more appropriate for deep self-exploration, personal growth, or trauma work.
How long is a therapy session and why do you offer longer therapy sessions?
A typical therapy session lasts for 50 minutes. I offer longer, 80-minute sessions for those who may need more time. Longer sessions can be beneficial for several reasons:
1. If you are not able to come weekly a longer session will give you more time to catch up as well as time to process and debrief.
2. A longer session allows more time for more in-depth effective methods such as IFS and EMDR therapy, learn more: EMDR or IFS.
3. If it takes you a bit to warm up you may prefer a longer session.
4. If participating in couples counseling a longer session may provide needed time for additional processing.
What is your availability for appointments?
My availability is by appointment only. I offer morning, daytime and evening appointments during the week. At this time I do not offer weekend appointments. Call for a free 20-minute phone consultation. Finding the right fit for counseling is important for a successful therapeutic outcome. A consultation will give us a chance to talk about your needs and expectations for therapy.
What is your cost per session?
Cost per counseling session depends on the type of therapy and the length of time. Click here for more information on current therapy session rates.
Why don't you take insurance?
Private pay affords you more freedom in your care and treatment.
* Unlimited Sessions. Private pay allows you to have unlimited counseling sessions. Insurance companies may limit the number of sessions they will pay for and often will not cover couples therapy.
* Diagnosis. Private pay allows diagnosis to stay between you and your therapist. Insurance companies require a diagnosis that will go on your permanent health care record.
* No Surprise Payments. There are no required deductibles with private pay, so your fee is your fee. Insurance often requires that you meet a deductible before they will provide coverage. High deductibles can mean little to no coverage for care.
* Confidentiality. Private pay affords more confidentiality. Be aware that when using your insurance they have the right to know why they are reimbursing for therapeutic services provided to you and they may audit the therapist's record of your treatment at anytime.
* Availability. Private pay often offers more flexibility and availability. Therapists who take insurance often have long wait times and limit the number of managed care clients they take.
* Unlimited Choices. Private pay gives you the freedom to choose the therapist who has the training and specialties to meet your unique needs. Insurance limits the choices you have regarding your provider and the type of therapy you receive. Insurance will provide you with a list of preferred providers and they may or may not reimburse for services provided by therapist out of network.