A: Therapy is a treatment process that uses specialized techniques that have been designed to offer effective, long-lasting help for people suffering from a wide range of difficulties such as emotional distress, anxiety, marital issues, fears, a significant loss. Therapy can also help fulfill aspirations for personal growth or self improvement. Recognizing the need for help and seeking professional therapy is a sign of both strength and your determination to live a productive and meaningful life! We will work together to identify your goals- what you want to have happen- and agree on how you'll know when you are making progress.
Q: What can therapy help with?
A: Counseling can support you with Depression, Anxiety and Stress, Panic Attacks, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Phobia, Pregnancy and Miscarriage, Infertility and Adoption, Grief and loss, Divorce and Separation, Building Self Esteem and Confidence, ADHD/ADD, Anger, Career Transitions, Emotional and/or Physical Abuse.
Q: What is therapy like?
A: Every therapy session is unique and caters to each individual and their 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 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
Q: Do you offer phone or video sessions?
A: I currently offer phone or video sessions Q: Is therapy confidential?
A: 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 or dependent adult or elder abuse. 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 their safety. However, if an individual does not cooperate, additional measures may need to be taken.
Q: What is the difference between a Counselor and a Psychiatrist?
A: Psychiatry is a medical specialty that treats people for mental illness. Psychiatrists, who are trained as physicians, often use medications, but may also provide other forms of therapy. Counseling deals with mental processes and behaviors. Therapists are not trained as physicians so they do not write prescriptions.
Q: What is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor(LCMHC)?
A: A LCMHC is a mental health professional trained to help people with various emotional concerns. They hold a Masters Degree and/or Doctoral Degree in Mental Health Counseling or a closely related field. To become a LCMHC one must have graduated from an accredited program that must have contained specific coursework and an internship. Furthermore, they must have completed two years of supervised clinical experience, a national exam, and they must agree to abide by a code of ethics. You can learn about LCMHC by visiting http://www.lpcanc.org, http://www.counseling.org, http://www.nbcc.org or http://www.amhca.org.
Q: How long will I be in therapy?
A: The answer is different for everyone. The length of treatment will depend on the particular issue you are trying to work through and the symptoms you are experiencing. The typical length is 6-8 sessions, although can be longer or shorter depending on the issue and how much support one needs.
Q: What if I need medication?
A: Only a medical doctor, such as a psychiatrist or a family physician, can prescribe medication. However, if we determine that medication may be an appropriate treatment or may be an effective adjunct to the treatment I provide, I will refer my clients to a physician for a medical evaluation.
*** I accept Visa and Mastercard, HSA/HRA cards, cash or check. I will provide a super you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.