Here, you'll find answers to some of the most common questions about my services, therapy process, and how we can work together to achieve your goals. If you don't find the information you're looking for, feel free to reach out directly.
Is therapy right for me?
Seeking therapy is a personal choice with many benefits. People come to therapy for various reasons, from managing anxiety or depression to coping with life changes like divorce or career transitions. Therapy offers insights, support, and strategies for challenges such as grief, stress, body image, and life transitions. It’s especially valuable for individuals who want to enhance self-awareness, take responsibility, and work toward positive change in their lives.
Do I really need therapy? I can usually handle my problems.
"I usually handle my own problems." While many navigate challenges independently, seeking extra support is perfectly normal and can be highly beneficial. Therapy is for those self-aware enough to recognize they need a hand, which is commendable. By pursuing therapy, you’re taking responsibility for where you are and actively seeking change. Therapy provides lasting benefits, equipping you with tools to avoid triggers, reshape patterns, and tackle future challenges.
How can therapy help me?
Therapy offers numerous benefits, including support, problem-solving skills, and improved coping strategies. People often find that therapy aids personal growth, relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and daily stressors. Therapists provide fresh perspectives and solutions tailored to individual needs. Some specific benefits include:
Gaining deeper self-understanding, clarifying goals and values
Developing relationship and communication skills
Finding resolution to specific concerns
Learning stress and anxiety management techniques
Building self-confidence and improving self-esteem
What is therapy like?
Each session is unique and focused on your specific goals. Typically, we’ll discuss primary issues or concerns, with sessions often scheduled weekly, lasting around 40 minutes. Therapy can be short-term, addressing a specific issue, or longer-term for more complex personal growth. Active participation, both in and outside sessions, is essential for progress. Here’s what to expect:
Compassion, respect, and understanding
Insights into persistent patterns and negative feelings
Practical strategies for positive change
Effective, evidence-based techniques and guidance
Treatment Philosophy Highlights
Each person is unique, and I treat all clients with respect and appreciation for their individual qualities.
I see our work as a collaborative partnership, evolving as goals are met and new skills are developed.
I promise to listen and strive to understand your life from your perspective, offering counsel that fits your circumstances and capabilities.
Your role is to engage in this process, trying new behaviors to see if they lead to better results.
We work together as a team.
Is medication a substitute for therapy?
In some cases, a combination of medication and therapy is most effective. Therapy addresses the root causes of distress and behavior patterns, while medication can help alleviate symptoms. Working with both your medical doctor and therapist can create an integrative approach to mental wellness, leading to sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being.
Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?
I accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Tricare, Anthem Blue Cross, Aetna, Medicare, United Healthcare, and many others. You may also choose to pay out of pocket or use out-of-network benefits, if applicable. For details about your mental health benefits, contact your insurance provider and ask:
What are my mental health benefits?
What is the per-session coverage?
How many sessions are covered?
What is the reimbursement rate for out-of-network providers?
Is primary care physician approval required?
Is therapy confidential?
Therapy is generally confidential, and all communications are protected by law. However, there are exceptions when confidentiality must be breached, such as:
Suspected child abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse, or national security concerns
Threats of serious harm to another person, requiring notification to authorities
Self-harm threats; if necessary, additional steps may be taken to ensure safety