How do I know if I even need therapy?
How can talking to a stranger help?
Will you tell me what to do?
What is EMDR Therapy?
What is Gottman Method Couples Therapy?
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
How much will it cost?
Do you accept insurance?
Are there any other ways to obtain affordable therapy?
Is your office wheelchair accessible?
I see that you are a member of American Association of Christian Counselors. Does that mean I have to be a Christian to see you?
How do I know if I even need therapy?
Therapy is often helpful when the challenge you are facing is interfering with your normal functioning or emotional wellbeing. When the things that normally help aren’t working, it may be time to seek help from someone with a new perspective.
How can talking to a stranger help?
It can be beneficial to talk to someone who is further removed from the situation than a friend or family member. As an example, put your nose very close to this screen and try to read it. Not as easy to do as when you are at a little further away, right?
No. My approach is to ask the right questions and to help you look at the situation from a different point of view so that you can decide what is right for you. My job is to teach you this process and work myself out of a job, not make decisions for you.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. EMDR is a set of standardized protocols that incorporates elements from many different treatment approaches. To date, EMDR therapy has helped millions of people of all ages relieve many types of psychological stress. (Source:EMDRIA.org)
Frequently, EMDR is used as in the treatment of trauma and other psychological distress.
What is Gottman Method Couples Therapy?
Combining the knowledge and wisdom of nearly forty years of studies and clinical practice, Gottman Method Couples Therapy helps couples break through barriers to achieve greater understanding, connection and intimacy in their relationships. Through research-based interventions and exercises, it is a structured, goal-oriented, scientifically-based therapy. Intervention strategies are based upon empirical data from Dr. Gottman’s study of more than 3,000 couples. This research shows what actually works to help couples achieve a long-term healthy relationship.
Gottman Method Couples Therapy was developed out of this research to help partners:
- Increase respect, affection, and closeness
- Break through and resolve conflict when they feel stuck
- Generate greater understanding between partners
- Keep conflict discussions calm
(Source: Gottman.com)
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the few forms of psychotherapy that has been scientifically tested and found to be effective in hundreds of clinical trials for many different disorders. In contrast to other forms of psychotherapy, cognitive therapy is usually more focused on the present, more time-limited, and more problem-solving oriented. In addition, patients learn specific skills that they can use for the rest of their lives. These skills involve identifying distorted thinking, modifying beliefs, relating to others in different ways, and changing behaviors. (Source: BeckInstitute.org)
My standard fee is $180 for a 55-minute session. Some individuals and couples benefit from a longer session, and for those I charge $250 for an 85-minute session and $320 for a 115-minute session. I accept all major credit cards, checks or cash.
I am considered an out of network provider for most insurance plans. Depending on your current health insurance provider or employee benefit plan, it is possible for services to be covered in full or in part.
I’d recommend asking these questions to your insurance provider to help determine your benefits:
- Does my health insurance plan include mental health benefits?
- Do I have a deductible? If so, what is it and have I met it yet?
- Does my plan limit how many sessions per calendar year I can have? If so, what is the limit?
- Do I need written approval from my primary care physician in order for services to be covered?
- If applicable, does my plan cover couples counseling?
Benefits are an agreement between you and your insurance company. If you have eligibility concerns or questions, you should contact your insurance provider directly.
Another thing to consider when using insurance to pay for your mental health care is any potential long-term consequence. Having a mental health diagnosis is a requirement to use your insurance, as the insurance company will only cover “medically necessary” care. This diagnosis can prove problematic in certain careers, such as military or law enforcement, or when purchasing life or health insurance. For many people, the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk, but you will need to make the decision based on your unique life circumstances.
Are there any other ways to obtain affordable therapy?
There are programs that offer free therapy to active duty military, veterans, and their family members – two of them are The Soldiers Project and Give an Hour. You can apply to those programs on their respective websites. The Soldiers Project will match you with an appropriate therapist given your needs, and Give an Hour provides a directory from which you can choose a therapist.
If you are not military-affiliated, there are also low-fee sessions available through Open Path Collective. If you are a victim of a crime, you may be eligible for therapy through The California Victim Compensation Program.
Is your office wheelchair accessible?
There are elevators making my second floor suite easily accessible. There is also ample handicap parking.
I see that you are a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. Does that mean I have to be a Christian to see you?
Absolutely not! I welcome clients of any faith, or no faith at all. It’s not my job to tell you what you should believe. For some people, their religious beliefs have a significant impact on the issue that brings them to therapy, and for others it doesn’t. I will incorporate your faith as much or as little as you wish.