Frequently Asked Questions

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The very fact that you are reading this creates a likelihood that the time is near. Here are a few questions for you to think about: Is there a persistent problem, condition and way of feeling that has been bothering you for a while? Is there something that you want to change in yourself or in your life?  Are you tired of having the same conversation about something over and over in your head or with your friends, yet nothing seems to change? Does the issue feel too big to tackle on your own? Are you tired of feeling the way you have been feeling? Are you finally ready to do something about it? If the answer is "yes" to any of these questions, it's time. 

I can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, drug/alcohol addiction. 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. 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. 

Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, it  will be different depending on the individual.  In general, you can expect to discuss the current events happening in your life, your personal history relevant to your issue, and report progress (or any new insights gained) from the previous therapy session.  Depending on your specific needs, therapy can be short-term, for a specific issue, or longer-term, to deal with more difficult patterns or your desire for more personal development. It is important to understand that you will get more results from therapy if you actively participate in the process. People seeking psychotherapy are ready to make positive changes in their lives, are open to new perspectives and take responsibility for their lives.       

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 our distress and the behavior patterns that curb our progress. If Medication is needed I can refer you to an excellent psychiatrist in the area.

To determine if you have mental health coverage through your insurance carrier, the first thing you should do is call them.  Check your coverage carefully and make sure you understand their answers.  Some helpful questions you can ask them:  

• What are my mental health benefits? 
• What is the coverage amount per therapy session? 
• How many  therapy sessions does my plan cover? 
• What is my co-pay?

Yes. Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and psychotherapist. I will provide a written copy of my confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. The exceptions to this are suspected past or present abuse or neglect of a child or elder adult and if a client is seriously in danger of harming him/herself or has threated to harm another person.