Frequently Asked Questions:
How can your services help me?
First off, asking for help is a huge sign of strength and empowerment. So that right there already has us lightyears ahead of the curve that you are able to acknowledge that there’s something going on that you don’t like and you want to change it. Therapy can provide ongoing support, accountability, and guidance. Through utilizing evidence-based practices and a mind-body approach I have helped clients of all ages with different presenting problems learn enhanced coping strategies to manage the crappy feelings, move past barriers, and come into their best selves and I want to help you too. I can provide you with the tools you need to cultivate an inner peace and live life authentically by providing a listening ear that can offer a new perspective and help problem solve. Who doesn’t want someone else in their corner? I’m that cheerleader for you. (Pom Poms ready.)
What should I expect from the first session?
The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other a little better and for me to learn more about what brought you here. We may talk about your current frustrations, delve into your background some, and discuss things you’re striving towards. It’s all fair game. You, as the client, are always at the helm…I will never make you talk about anything you feel uncomfortable discussing, I will meet you where you’re at, and we can take things at a pace you feel comfortable with.
How many sessions do I need to start feeling better?
This is the age old question, how long should therapy take? Well sadly, I can’t give you an answer to that question. My work is not a one size fits all approach and everyone is different. Some people work with me for a couple sessions and feel they are ready to move on and I have other clients who have been with me for years. This all depends on what you want to work on and your engagement in care. I will say, my goal is always for my clients to not need me anymore. (Great business model right?!?) But my unwavering hope is that the individuals I work with can use the skills we develop together on their own and will no longer need me in the same capacity.
How do I know you’re qualified to do this?
I can assure you I am. I have been working with individuals with a wide array of presenting problems for 10+ years now. (You can read more about my certifications and licenses on my about page.) And I promise you I spent many nights cramming away for certifications and licensing exams just so I could make sure I am the best provider I can possibly be. With all that being said I also want to reaffirm that I take this work very seriously. I understand that people have many options when it comes to working with a therapist or coach and that self-improvement can be a big expense for many people. I feel that what I have to offer is valuable and potentially life changing and whether you participate in one session with me or many you are making an investment in yourself that could have a life-long positive impact.
Is this work going to be uncomfortable?
Heck yes. Ok, but don’t click off the page! Hang in there…if therapy didn’t get a little bit uncomfortable then I wouldn’t be doing my job. If you want to work with a provider who you can shoot the breeze with and keep things fluffy then you came to the wrong place. I always approach my work with a caring, empathetic, and genuine nature, but I also acknowledge when individuals may benefit from an outsider’s perspective and additional feedback on why they keep feeling stuck on whatever they’re grappling with. We may discuss things that are uncomfortable; that may bring up old memories, cause emotions to stir, but that’s all part of the process. And change comes from a place of moving a little bit outside of our comfort zone. You got this, I promise.
What are your thoughts on Medication vs. Psychotherapy?
I think there is a time and place for medication. Many people experience positive benefits from psychotropic medications, and they can be a great addition to care. I always encourage my clients to work with a medical doctor to determine what’s best and in some cases a combination of therapy and medication is a good fit. Nevertheless, I do not think medication is a panacea for mental health issues and a huge determining factor of your success in therapy is your engagement in care. Opening up and working through the uncomfortable stuff and practicing the tips and techniques we discuss OUTSIDE of treatment is a big part of this. Medication isn’t going to do that. I feel that all of us can achieve a greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness and therapy can help us address the underlying causes of our distress and unhelpful behavior patterns.
What’s the difference between therapy and coaching?
This is a very commonly asked question! So I want to point out a few key differences here if you’re wondering: do I need coaching or counseling…
· Client needs. (Therapy looks at underlying issues and unconscious drives of behavior and is used for a clinical need. If you have a mental health diagnosis or suffer from symptoms of anxiety or depression then it might be best to see a therapist (like me!) who has the training to address such issues. If you feel like you are already functioning pretty well, but want some assistance to take things to the next level and are striving towards specific goals then a coach (also me!) may be for you.)
· Past vs. Future focus. (Coaches will often focus on the here and now and will be more future focused as the coaching relationship is centered around specific goals we are striving towards. Therapy can also be present focused, but will explore how things from the past may be affecting you today.)
· Approach. (A coach works with individuals who are assumed to be healthy and functioning but haven’t reached their full potential. These individuals benefit from additional tools, accountability, and support to get them there. Motivation, creating confidence, and obliterating obstacles are all part of the game. People typically see a therapist because they want to feel and function better. A counselor can help individuals learn coping strategies to manage emotions and increase awareness and insight by identifying the origin of roadblocks and problematic thinking patterns.)
· Regulations. (Counselors and therapists go through rigorous schooling and credentialing processes. They are licensed in the state/s they practice and are held to a stringent set of ethics and regulations. Coaches are also highly trained, but in general it is a less regulated field and they do not diagnose and/or treat mental health issues as a counselor would. They also practice throughout the US and internationally and are not held to state licensure requirements when working with clients.)
· Insurance reimbursement. (Therapists diagnose, coaches do not. Because of this coaching is typically not reimbursed by insurance companies because it is not deemed “medically necessary.” However, counseling usually is reimbursed by insurance companies with the assumption that therapy is needed to help you get better. If you are diagnosed with a mental health issue then your counselor is generally able to use a reimbursement code for your treatment.)
Do You Take Insurance, and How Does That Work?
I do not accept insurance at this time. This decision was arrived at after much thought and consideration. I ultimately decided I did not what insurance companies determining service parameters for my clients, dictating what services were appropriate and stating how long treatment would be. In insurance company’s eyes I am considered an “out-of-network” provider. If your plan includes out-of-network benefits, many of my clients will use these to see me and are partially or fully reimbursed for my services. Given the variance between plans I always encourage my clients to call their insurance carrier to determine what type of mental health coverage they have. If you have more questions on this or are in a specific financial situation please give me a call as I will always try my best to work with you.
Some helpful questions to ask your insurance company include:
What are my mental health benefits?
Do I need any prior authorizations before I see a therapist?
How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?