Question 1

How Do I Get Started?

Answer

Click on the Contact link for information regarding where my office is located, phone number and e-mail information. Appointments can be scheduled via telephone, e-mail or text message. All calls, texts or e-mails will be responded to within one business day. Additionally, if any further information is needed or you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Question 2

What Can I Expect on My First Visit?

Answer

Therapy begins the first session! During the opening session I like to introduce myself and my approach to therapy. The first session is a 90 minute session and includes a discussion about confidentiality and the benefits of counseling. It is also important for me to hear what brings you to counseling in order to begin setting a treatment direction.

Question 3

How Much Does Therapy and Coaching Cost?

Answer

Your initial 90-minute session is $225. After the initial session my rate is $155 per clinical hour (45-50 minutes) and I offer a $5 per session discount if you pay with cash, check or Venmo. If that rate is too high, I do offer a sliding scale based upon need (ranging from $105-155). The sliding scale can be applied for; application for the sliding scale does not guarantee your rate. If you would like more specific information regarding how to qualify, etc. please call, text or e-mail. Longer sessions are available upon request.

Question 4

How Do I Get to Your Office?

Answer

Click on the Contact link to find where my office is located.

Question 5

When I Get to Your Office, Where do I Park?

Answer

If you are facing the front of the building, the four (4) spots in the middle are reserved for clients (marked with signs that say "Midtown Therapy Group"). There is also ample street parking. Across the street from the office is a large parking garage with pay for parking or there is a pay for parking lot next to our building.

Question 6

What do I Need to do Prior to the First Appointment?

Answer

After getting your first appointment set up with me, I will email you a link with a code to complete your opening paperwork online. This process should take you approximately 10-15 minutes and includes demographic information, my policies and procedures, a questionnaire and a credit card authorization form. With these forms completed prior to the session we are able to take care of a few housekeeping details and use the remaining time to discuss the issues that bring you to counseling.

Question 7

How do you practice therapy and coaching?

Answer

I practice an eclectic approach to therapy and coaching which is highly personalized and ensures that each client’s needs are able to be met through a variety of techniques, approaches, theories and models. It is my belief that each individual, couple and family is unique and no one (or two!) approach works for everyone. Therapy is a collaborative process and you are the expert on your life. As your therapist, my job is to offer hope and encouragement as well as be an unbiased supportive perspective, a resource and someone to challenge you towards health and a fuller life. I work with a wide variety of emotional and behavioral issues but specialize in individuals who have been in, are in or are trying to get out of domestically violent and abusive relationships, have experienced abuse of all kinds, spiritual/religious trauma, complex PTSD or struggle with co-dependency and boundaries. I have had significant professional experiences working with this population and am passionate about helping individuals who have experienced violence and abuse work through the impact of this relationship and move towards whole and healthy lives.

Question 8

Do I need therapy or coaching?

Answer

Life is complicated. Relationships are difficult. Each one of us faces, at many times in of our lives, situations that are hard to deal with on our own. Therapy and coaching offers an unbiased and supportive perspective that allows you to work through the issues that are present in your life. “Needing” therapy or coaching is subjective to the person, however, both therapy and coaching have been found to be beneficial to individuals, couples and families that deal with relational, emotional, life change, mental health and other issues.

Question 9

How does therapy or coaching help?

Answer

It is important to recognize, up front, that a person will get out of therapy or coaching what they are willing to put into it. As a therapist and coach, I am not a magician or a wizard; but I am a source of support and outside, unbiased perspective that will help the client be able to work through their issues at hand. If an individual, couple or family is committed to the process significant change can occur.

Question 10

What is therapy and coaching like?

Answer

Therapy and coaching is a collaborative process between the client(s) and the therapist/coach. Each session is unique to the individual, couple or family and their specific goals. While there is no set-in-stone structure, it is standard for the therapist/coach to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life. It is recommended that when therapy/coaching is first started that the client schedule regular weekly sessions with each session, lasting approximately 50 minutes. Therapy/coaching can be short term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. Due to therapy and coaching being a collaborative process, I often times will encourage clients to complete specific “homework assignments” or actions outside of the session that will aid in personal growth. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate into your life between sessions. In order for therapy or coaching to be the most effective, you must be an active participant, both during and between sessions. People seeking therapy or coaching 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

Question 11

Can’t I just take medication?

Answer

Medication can be helpful for certain people in specific situations. It is important to maintain a close relationship with your medical doctor in order to determine the best course of action 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. You can best achieve sustainable growth and greater sense of well-being with an integrative approach to wellness.

Question 12

Do you take insurance/Can I get insurance to pay for my therapy?

Answer

Currently, I do not accept insurance. In order for me to bill for insurance it is required that I provide the insurance company a diagnosis; this diagnosis follows the individual for a significant length of time. It is my ethical preference that I do not give someone a diagnosis, for the purpose of getting paid, that could impact the individual for the remainder of their life.

With this said, it is possible for insurance to reimburse part or all of the fees incurred from therapy. I would be considered an “Out of Network” provider. It is important to check with your insurance company and become educated on your coverage regarding mental health benefits. Many of my clients request that I fill out an invoice for them at the end of each session that they can submit to their insurance company for reimbursement. While this would require payment in full, to the therapist, up front, many people have found this option helpful.
Additionally, if an individual, couple or family has a HSA or Flex plan, it is possible, depending on the terms of this plan, to use these monies to pay for therapy. Again, make sure to check with your HSA or Flex Plan provider to ensure that mental health appointments qualify for reimbursement. Should they qualify, an invoice can be requested at the end of each therapy session. As with submission for insurance reimbursement, this would require the client to pay the therapist up front.

Question 13

Is this confidential?

Answer

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and therapist. No information is disclosed without prior written permission from the client. However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include: 1. Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately. 2. If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person. The therapist is required to notify the police. 3. If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to work with the individual to ensure their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.