Each session is, essentially, a problem-solving session. You describe your current situation, and your feelings about it, and then the therapist uses their expertise to assist you in trying to resolve that problem so you can move closer to having the life you wish to have.
At the beginning of a session, the therapist typically invites you to share what’s been going on in your life, what’s on your mind, what’s bothering you, or whether there are any goals you’d like to discuss. You’ll be invited to speak openly. The therapist will listen and may take notes as you speak; some take notes after a session. You won’t be criticized, interrupted or judged as you speak. Your conversation will be kept in the strictest confidentiality. This is a special, unique type of conversation in which you can say exactly what you feel—total honesty—without worrying that you’re going to hurt someone’s feelings, damage a relationship, or be penalized in any way. Anything you want—or need—to say is OK.
Not at all. People who ask for help know when they need it and have the ability to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have some strengths that you’ve used before, and for whatever reason, they aren’t working right now. Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to access your past strengths. In our work together, I’ll help you identify what those strengths are and how to implement them again in what is happening now.
The difference is between someone who can do something and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, if you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.
Medication alone cannot solve all issues. What medication does is treat the symptoms. Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals.
Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy.
Because each person has different issues and goals for therapy, therapy will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs.
Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.
I am so glad you are dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication is crucial to your success. After all, we only see each other for a session a week. It’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development.
If you are concerned about your relationship, and you would both like to work with me, I would initially work with both of you together. After this work, if one of you would like to continue in individual sessions, I could work with only one of you. It is not helpful to move from individual into couple’s work with the same therapist because of potential trust issues.
A cancelled appointment hurts three people: you, me, and another client who could have potentially utilized your time slot. Therapy sessions are scheduled in advance and are a time reserved exclusively for clients. When a session is cancelled without adequate notice, I am unable to fill this time slot. In addition, I am unable to bill your insurance company for sessions that are not kept. Therefore, a fee of $35 will be charged when you miss or cancel an appointment without giving 24 hours advanced notice. Cancellations may be done by calling, texting, emailing or using the patient portal.
I will waive this fee in the event of serious/contagious illness or extreme weather. If you are unsure, please contact me for further guidance. Please note that the only time this fee cannot be applied is for clients with Medicaid insurance.
Medicaid clients: Please note that I cannot charge you or your insurance for missed sessions or late cancellations. If you late cancel or do not show up, I have lost the opportunity to schedule another client. Because of this, three or more late cancellations within a six-month period will result in immediate discharge and referral to another provider.
Additionally, please understand that therapy should be viewed as any other important medical appointment. While it is a time commitment, this is for your personal betterment and consistency is key in order to achieve this. That being said, two consecutive missed appointments without first reaching out, attempting to reschedule, or otherwise indicating clear commitment to treatment, will result in termination of the therapeutic relationship. If you miss two or more scheduled appointments within a 30 day time period without cancelling or rescheduling in accordance with cancellation policy of 24 hours’ advance notice, the therapeutic relationship will be terminated.
Thank you for your understanding. I look forward to beginning this therapeutic journey alongside you!