Common Questions

Is therapy right for me?

There are many reasons why people come to work with a therapist. Sometimes it is to deal with long-standing issues such as anxiety, depression, difficulty focusing, difficult speak up or difficult in relationships. Other times it is in response to tramatic events  in one's life such as abuse, accidents, death, divorce, infertility problems, chronic or life threatening illness or financial issues. Many come seeking guidance as they pursue their own personal exploration and growth. Working with a therapist can help transform the way you relate to yourself and others, providing new experiences, new frames of reference and a growing sense of safety and self-acceptance.  Therapy is right for anyone who is interested in shifting old patterns and generating new ways of addressing issues.

How long will I need to go?

The number of sessions required to address a particular issue vary from individual to individual. Factors that impact the duration of treatment include:

    • When the issue first occurred
    • How long it has been since the first occurrence
    • How many aspect of your life are impacted by the issue
    • How many other issues are present


What can I expect in a therapy session?

Every therapy session is unique and is tailored to address your specific issues and concerns. Frequently issues that have been touched on in prior sessions will continue to be addressed in the current session.  Sessions are usually once a week for 50 minutes however, some people work better in an extended time-frame of 80 minutes. Sometimes individuals who are going through a particularly difficult time or struggling with a particular issue may elect to come in more than once a week.  Work within our sessions will include enhancing your awareness of both your emotional and physiological reactions and the development of self soothing and resourcing skills. Naturalistic trance, EMDR, BSP (Brainspotting) and Impact Techniques are employed in support of your innate ability to heal and resolve issues. Occasionally, structured home work will be assigned. Frequently you will be asked to simply to be aware of what arises outside session as the work we do will continue to move in you between sessions.

What benefits can I expect from working with a therapist?

Therapy can help you shift the way you relate to yourself and others. It can also help resolve long standing problems related to grief, anger, fear, anxiety and self image.  It can also help to foster a sense of connection to inner resources and wisdom. Sometimes, the simple act of having someone there to witness what has occurred helps to shift your relationship to problems, opening the door to greater resilience and creativity.

Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

    • Resolving Trauma
    • Lowering levels of anxiety, stress and grief
    • Enhancing self acceptance
    • Increasing confidence, peace, vitality, and well-being
    • Reducing  anger, depression and moods (shorter duration and lower intensity)
    • Improving listening and communication skills


Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?

Check with your insurance carrier to determine if you have mental health coverage. Most plans for groups larger than 50 do offer this coverage. The exceptions tend to be in organizations that are self-ensured. The following questions may be useful when you are talking with your carrier:

    • Do I have mental health benefits?
    • Do I have out of network coverage for mental health?
    • What is my out of network deductible and has it been met?
    • What is my co-pay (ex: 20%, 30%, 50% of the fee)?
    • How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
    • What is the coverage amount per therapy session for CPT 90806 and 90808?
    • Is approval or a referral required from my primary care physician?


Is therapy confidential?

The law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist. With the exception of the circumstances noted below, information is not disclosed without written permission from you, the client.  Exceptions include:

    • Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
    • If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, expresses clear intent and had the means. The therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
    • If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in insuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, further measures may be taken without their permission in order to ensure their safety.