I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. I’m afraid this will mean I’m weak.
We learn in our families of origin and in our formative years about values. One of them might have been the ability to “handle it.” We learn lessons, often without realizing it, about what it looks like to feel strong, how people deal with emotions, how to show love, etc. People who reach out even when it is challenging or goes against these internal dialogues are stronger than they realize. You are stronger than you realize. Everyone needs someone to listen, needs to be validated and understood, and needs to know there aren’t alone.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or family?
The difference is ultimately training and experience as well as an unbiased ear. 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. Often friends feel like a receptacle for those tough emotions, my training has taught me how to be more like a strainer.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy. It can be helpful for some cases but often when used alone cannot solve the challenges you face or stop them from returning. Medication often treats symptoms or changes a baseline. Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your thoughts and behavior and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
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, but ultimately, showing up on time and being open to chatting are always going to set you on the right foot for growth.
How long will it take?
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. We will however, chat about goals and your desires as far as length and see how to manage that question together.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
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.
My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual counseling or come together?
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, this is also a possibility. I am also open to working with you as an individual if a partner is unwilling to attend couples sessions. A lot of work can be done this way using a systems perspective.
Do you accept insurance?
I do not participate in insurance panels and therefore do not bill through insurance. I am considered to be private pay and bill clients directly. For therapeutic services there may be an option to use my services as an out of network provider, or pay using HSA or FSA accounts. You may wish to reach out to your insurance provider to see what options they can provide to cover the out of pocket costs or reimburse. If you have EAP benefits, that may be another area where you can request reimbursements. Insurance does not always cover the costs of telehealth, marriage counseling, or coaching so working with you directly gives us the most privacy and flexibility.
How can I manage this cost?
I understand that therapy and coaching can be an investment and there are some things to consider. You may wish to work with your insurance to see if they will cover out of network costs for your therapy visits. You can consider using pretax dollars by paying for therapy through an HSA or FSA account. You may wish to reach out to your tax consultant to see if your therapy expenses can be an out of pocket health expense. Finally, you can consider this an investment in your future, your health, and your relationships… sometimes just noting the pros and cons and short term investment versus long term gain is enough to reach out.
Any Other Questions
Please contact me for any additional questions you may have. I look forward to hearing from you!