Is therapy right for me?
The purpose of Therapy, is to help YOU create the life you want, and to help you recognize your own potential.
Counseling is a collaborative process between therapist and client(s) who work together on mutually agreed upon goals. Seeking out therapy is an individual choice, and there are a plethora of reasons why people choose to come to therapy. For some people, it may be about breaking a habit, improving a relationships or seeking greater awareness about what makes you motivated so you can live a more fulfilled life.
Therapy is not just about listening to people talk. A trained professional will incorporate specific coping techniques, while simultaneously help you reap more satisfaction from your work and your relationships by helping you understand and re-frame your concerns.
Those that choose to seek the advice of a counselor do so because they want to pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, accountability by creating greater self-awareness and working towards change in their lives.
What should I expect during therapy?
In a nutshell, therapy is what you make of it.
Participation in counseling is and must be voluntary, as it is only effective when both client(s) and therapist are actively striving together for the patients growth and happiness. During your experience in counseling you may notice an increase in self awareness, improved communication, better problem solving and coping skills, improved relationships and decrease internal conflict.
However, due to the nature of counseling, it is also common that you may experience unpleasant feelings. Such as sadness, anger, frustration, loneliness, guilt and anxiety. You will be listened to, supported and challenged to help you gain a better awareness of your current situation and to provide you with the coping skills to deal with your circumstances.
Change requires hard work. While working with a therapist doesn't always necessarily make the circumstances of your life better, it does however, better equip you to deal with what may come your way. It is strongly recommended that prior to termination a closing session be completed. You have the right to stop counseling at anytime; however, you are responsible for the payment of services already received by you or your family.
Is therapy covered under insurance?
I do not participate in any insurance panels.
Insurance companies require that I give you a DSM IV diagnosis in order be reimbursed. By not taking insurance this enables you and I to steer the direction of your treatment together - without outside input from an uninvolved 3rd party. In addition it allows me to keep my rates reasonable and affordable.
If you have a PPO insurance plan, they may cover psychotherapy from an out of network provider. I am happy to provide receipts that you can submit to your carrier so that you can be reimbursed for your treatment with me. Make sure to list yourself as the payee on the claim forms. Services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan under a PPO. Please check your coverage carefully by calling the benefits number on the back of your insurance card.
Certain diagnosis may raise red flags when trying to obtain other health insurance in the future. This allows YOU and your therapist to choose the right kind of treatment and not the insurance company. In addition, it will also allow you to maintain your privacy.
Why should I go to a therapist and not to my family or friends?
This is a great question. However, there are several reasons why sometimes going to a therapist is better.
A therapist is:
- objective and is dedicated your growth
- able to provide a safe environment so you can express yourself freely without being judged
- objective and does not tell you what to do or how to live your life
- a trained professional that can help you gain insight into yourself so you can make better choices
Is therapy confidential?
To provide quality services to you and your family, please be advised that I may seek professional consultation. I make every effort to avoid revealing the identity of the client. The consultant is also legally bound to keep the information confidential.
In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a therapist and I can release information to others about your therapy only with your written permission (in the form of a Release of Information).
However, there are a number of exceptions where:
- client is a danger to self/others
- client requests release of information
- court orders a release of information
- clerical assistants who process client information and papers
- legal and clinical consultation situations
- client initiates a malpractice lawsuit
- client is below 18 years of age, parents have rights to therapeutic information
- a child is abused or neglected
- an elderly person is abused or neglected
- an insurance company or managed care company requests a diagnosis and/or relevant clinical information
