Why do people seek therapy?

• Feeling depressed, anxious, unfulfilled or unable to function as before
• Problems in past or present personal, family, or romantic relationships
• Difficulty adjusting to new or transitional experiences such as changing jobs, relocating, and beginning or returning to school
• Increased irritability, arguing, or tension between you and your romantic partner
• Coping with the loss of a romantic relationship
  
• Coping with the death of someone close
• Feeling critical of and anxious about the way your body looks and having difficulties with eating
• Concerns about past painful experiences such as physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
• Feeling more comfortable with your sexuality
• Navigating Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and/or Transgender Issues
• Using harmful behaviors such as cutting (self-mutilation) or substance use to cope with anxiety, depression, or other painful experiences

During sessions clients usually talk about their concerns, thoughts, and feelings. An individual session lasts 50 minutes. Couples sessions are typically 60 minutes.  Weekly sessions are usually most helpful for individuals and couples. 

What if I have difficulty talking?

If you are not sure what to talk about, I can help you figure that out. Part of what we might work on together during our initial sessions is getting a better sense of what would be helpful to focus on. Outside my private practice, I work in a counseling center with college students who often have never been in therapy before. As a result, I am particularly sensitive to people who are entering therapy for the first time, may have had a negative experience of therapy in the past, or may be uncertain of what to expect or do in therapy. I educate my clients about the therapy process, and seek to lessen some of the initial tension that might be felt by beginning sessions.

If talking is not the only way you feel you can best express yourself, I also practice expressive therapies and art therapy. I believe we communicate our experiences, thoughts, and feelings through many different mediums - not just talking - and connecting to a way you communicate best is very important to me. For example, clients have brought artwork, poems, writing passages, and journal entries to help us discuss important parts of their experiences. I think you will find I am flexible and very open to learning about how best we can work together.

Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?

Insurance can be very confusing for clients to navigate. I currently do not accept private insurance, however, most insurance providers allow partial coverage for psychologists who are not within their network of providers. The first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier by calling the number on the back of your insurance card or visiting their website. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:

• Do I have mental health benefits?
• What kind of coverage does my plan have for psychologists outside my network?
• What is my deductible and has it been met?
• How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
• How much do you pay for an out-of-net provider?
• Is there a limitation on how much you will pay per session?
• Is primary care physician approval required?