Frequently Asked Questions
Is therapy right for me?
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
How can therapy help me?
What is therapy like?
Is medication a substitute for therapy?
Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?
Is therapy confidential?
Is therapy right for me?
Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of counsel as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Therapy is right for individuals who are interested in getting the most out of their lives by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.
Do I really need therapy?
I can usually handle my problems.Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
How can therapy help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
* Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
* Developing skills for improving your relationships
* Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
* Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
* Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
* Improving communications and listening skills
* Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
* Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
* Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
What is therapy like?
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and his or her specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:
* Compassion, respect and understanding
* Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
* Real strategies for enacting positive change
* Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance
Along these lines, here are some of my treatment philosophy highlights:
* I treat each individual with respect and an overriding appreciation of the unique qualities each person brings to our relationship.
* I view the challenge of helping people get control over their lives as an honor. The collaboration is a special form of coaching, and one that evolves as goals are met and skills are acquired.
* I promises to listen, work to understand you and how your life must look like from the inside out. I will focus on offering counsel that is not only fitting of your circumstances, but is respectful of your capabilities.
* You also are obligated to work in this collaboration. You must be willing to "try on some new behaviors" long enough to see whether you like the results better.
* We will work together as a team.
Is medication a substitute for therapy?
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you. It is well established that 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 distress and the behavior patterns that curb progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.
Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?
I currently accept Tricare, Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, Medicare, Rocky Mountain Health Plans, United Healthcare, Kaiser Permanente, Value Options, Cigna, and numerous others. The list grows regularly and at last count I was on more than 30 different insurance panels. You will need to check with your insurance carrier to be certain I am on yours.
You may also elect to pay out of pocket if you desire. Additionally, many insurance companies will provide some compensation for out of network providers. To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. If needed I will ensure that at each session you are provided with a printed form that covers the billing information needed for insurance reimbursement for out-of-network coverage. To determine if you have mental health coverage, please check coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:
* What are my mental health benefits?
* What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
* How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
* How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
* Is approval required from my primary care physician?
Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client. However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
* Suspected child abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse, or issues of national security. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
* If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
* If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure his or her safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional steps may be necessary to ensure safety.
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
How can therapy help me?
What is therapy like?
Is medication a substitute for therapy?
Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?
Is therapy confidential?
Is therapy right for me?
Seeking out therapy is an individual choice. There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Other times it is in response to unexpected changes in one's life such as a divorce or work transition. Many seek the advice of counsel as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Therapy is right for individuals who are interested in getting the most out of their lives by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards change in their lives.
Do I really need therapy?
I can usually handle my problems.Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, therapy is for people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand, and that is something to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking therapy. Therapy provides long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face.
How can therapy help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks. Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from therapy include:
* Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
* Developing skills for improving your relationships
* Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
* Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety
* Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
* Improving communications and listening skills
* Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
* Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
* Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
What is therapy like?
Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and his or her specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. It is common to schedule a series of weekly sessions, where each session lasts around fifty minutes. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. There may be times when you are asked to take certain actions outside of the therapy sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. For therapy to be most effective you must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take responsibility for their actions, work towards self-change and create greater awareness in their lives. Here are some things you can expect out of therapy:
* Compassion, respect and understanding
* Perspectives to illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
* Real strategies for enacting positive change
* Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance
Along these lines, here are some of my treatment philosophy highlights:
* I treat each individual with respect and an overriding appreciation of the unique qualities each person brings to our relationship.
* I view the challenge of helping people get control over their lives as an honor. The collaboration is a special form of coaching, and one that evolves as goals are met and skills are acquired.
* I promises to listen, work to understand you and how your life must look like from the inside out. I will focus on offering counsel that is not only fitting of your circumstances, but is respectful of your capabilities.
* You also are obligated to work in this collaboration. You must be willing to "try on some new behaviors" long enough to see whether you like the results better.
* We will work together as a team.
Is medication a substitute for therapy?
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action. Working with your medical doctor you can determine what's best for you. It is well established that 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 distress and the behavior patterns that curb progress. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.
Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?
I currently accept Tricare, Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, Medicare, Rocky Mountain Health Plans, United Healthcare, Kaiser Permanente, Value Options, Cigna, and numerous others. The list grows regularly and at last count I was on more than 30 different insurance panels. You will need to check with your insurance carrier to be certain I am on yours.
You may also elect to pay out of pocket if you desire. Additionally, many insurance companies will provide some compensation for out of network providers. To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. If needed I will ensure that at each session you are provided with a printed form that covers the billing information needed for insurance reimbursement for out-of-network coverage. To determine if you have mental health coverage, please check coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:
* What are my mental health benefits?
* What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
* How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
* How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
* Is approval required from my primary care physician?
Is therapy confidential?
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and psychotherapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client. However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
* Suspected child abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse, or issues of national security. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
* If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police.
* If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure his or her safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional steps may be necessary to ensure safety.