What can therapy do for me?
You probably know yourself pretty well, yet they need support for your choices in moving forward in your life. Therapy helps you sort out the underlying core of your inner world so you can trust your inner wisdom and take action that moves your life forward. As a clinical psychologist, I am experienced in working with a diverse group of people and I synthesize my extensive training to find the best tools to use for each unique client.
Seeking therapy or coaching is an individual choice. There are many reasons why you might come to therapy. You might be dealing with long-standing psychological issues, or problems with anxiety or depression. Or you may be responding to unexpected changes in your life such as a divorce or work transition. You may be seeking advice of a professional as a way to pursue personal exploration and growth. I help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. In the work I do with people I address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. Anyone who is interested in getting the most out of their life by taking responsibility, creating greater self-awareness, and working towards positive change in their lives benefits from this kind of work.Contact me.
Everyone goes through challenging situations in life, and while you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties you've faced, there's nothing wrong with seeking out extra support when you need it. In fact, people who have enough self-awareness to realize they need a helping hand are to be admired. You are taking responsibility by accepting where you're at in life and making a commitment to change the situation by seeking a new and different perspective on your life. With my background and expertise, I know how to provide long-lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, re-direct damaging patterns, and overcome whatever challenges you face. Self-awareness makes you more resilient, happier, and more able to communicate cleanly and honestly.
How can therapy help me?
A number of benefits are available from participating in psychotherapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues, creative blocks, and issues of consciousness, or spirituality. Many people also find that inner self work can be a tremendous asset to managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Gain a fresh perspective on a difficult problem that points you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from inner work depends on the skill of your chosen professional, and how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn. Some of the benefits available from from this kind of work include:
- Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values
- Developing skills for improving your relationships
- Finding resolution of issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy
- Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety /li>
- Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures
- Improving communications and listening skills
- Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones
- Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage
- Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence
- Developing habits that support you in attaining your goals
What is therapy like?
Every session is unique and caters an individual's specific goals. It is standard for therapists to discuss the primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. Sometimes in work I do, the emphasis is away from the primary issues because the focus is toward positive action that may make the issue come into a clearer perspective. Generally, I schedule a series of weekly sessions, with each session lasting around fifty minutes. Work can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue, or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth. Generally, you are asked to take certain actions outside of each session, such as recording your dreams, reading a relevant book, or keeping records to track certain behaviors. The goals are goals you set for yourself. It is important to process what has been discussed and integrate it into your life between sessions. You must be an active participant, both during and between the sessions. People seeking self-awareness 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:
- Compassion, respect, and understanding
- A safe, confidential space
- Perspectives that illuminate persistent patterns and negative feelings
- Real strategies for enacting positive change
- Effective and proven techniques along with practical guidance
- Heightened awareness of yourself and how you impact your life circumstances
- Skill building to help you communicate better and to lead you toward your goals
Does medication interfere with this work?
In some cases medication may be right course of action. Although I do not prescribe medication, if it is indicated I refer you to your medical doctor you determine what's best 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. Instead of just treating the symptom, working with early life hurts can address the cause of distress and the behavior patterns that limit progress. It is unnecessary to replay content that was traumatic to you. You can best achieve sustainable growth and a sense of well-being by taking responsibility to change in yourself.
Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?
Because I am a licensed clinical psychologist I am able to bill sessions to insurance if my client’s insurance policy covers mental health benefits and is not limited to certain providers. I am a not a Medicare Provider, nor a preferred provider for any insurance company.
To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:
- What are my mental health benefits?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
- How many therapy sessions does my plan cover?
- How much does my insurance pay for an out-of-network provider?
- Is approval required from my primary care physician?
Is this work confidential?
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 dependant 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.