Question 1

How does therapy work?

Accepted Answer

The basic task of therapy is to make you aware of what is beyond your awareness that may be causing unhealthy patterns in your life that you don’t know how to change. When we have unaddressed issues, they tend to rule our lives in ways we don’t understand and often can’t see. When the unconscious is running our lives it can wreak havoc on our lives and mental health, causing everything from work and relationship problems, to anxiety, depression, and addiction issues. As we bring the unconscious into conscious awareness, we become more empowered, awake, and alive.

Question 2

How can I get the most out of therapy?

Accepted Answer

Your active participation and dedication will be crucial to your success.   As you begin therapy it is important to determine your goals and be open to the feedback you receive.

You and I will work together to create a plan that helps you expand your self-awareness, alleviate symptoms, and find greater clarity and healing.

It’s important to understand that facing our fears and being uncomfortable are foundational parts of healing and self-transformation. While therapy can be painful and scary, the courage to face our fears and push ourselves beyond our ordinary ways of operating creates resilience, vitality, and freedom, allowing us to become who we want to be.

Question 3

What happens in a consultation call?

Accepted Answer

I offer a brief, initial consultation call to give you an opportunity to see how I can help support you, find out a little more about you and your goals for therapy.

Typically this is a 10- 15 minutes call where we can discuss fees and scheduling too.

If you have hesitations about starting therapy in general, don’t be afraid to be open about that as well. We can discuss your doubts and help put your mind at ease.

Question 4

Is it really confidential?

Accepted Answer

Generally, I will tell no one what you tell me. The privacy and confidentiality of our conversations, and my records, is a privilege of yours and is protected by state law and my profession’s ethical principles, in all but a few circumstances.

There are two circumstances in which I cannot guarantee confidentiality, legally and/or ethically:

1) When I believe you intend to harm yourself or another person
2) When I believe a child or elder person has been or will be abused or neglected.

In rare circumstances, professional counselors can be ordered by a judge to release information.

Otherwise, I will not tell anyone anything about your treatment, diagnosis, history, or even that you are a client, without your full knowledge and usually a signed Release of Information form.

Question 5

Can I just take medication?

Accepted Answer

Medication can be effective but it alone cannot resolve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you’re experiencing and expand on your strength that can help you accomplish your personal goals.

Question 6

How long will I be in services?

Accepted Answer

This is difficult to say as everyone’s circumstances are unique to them. The length of time counseling or coaching can take to allow you to accomplish your goals depends on your desires for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek help.

Question 7

What is the difference between counseling and coaching?

Accepted Answer

While there are many overlapping areas, the most prominent being that they’re both helping professions.

The International Coaching Federation defines coaching “as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity and leadership.”

The American Counseling Association defines Counseling as  “a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals.”

Question 8

How much will counseling cost me out of pocket?

Accepted Answer

What Out-Of-Pocket means for our work together is that you pay me the full fee directly at the time of service with the credit card you keep on file.

I am also happy to work with you as an Out-Of-Network provider if you prefer to access your out of network benefits.  In this case, if you have out-of network benefits, I will send you a Superbill that you can submit to your carrier for their predetermined rate for your out-of-network benefit reimbursement.

I recommend that you contact your Insurance Carrier and check your coverage carefully.

Below, you’ll find a list of specific questions to ask your Member Services Department. These questions will assist you in teasing out the specifics of your coverage and your carrier’s expectations of you regarding your financial responsibilities for services.

Questions To Ask Your Carrier:

Do I have “out of network mental health insurance benefits”?
What are my “out-of-network” mental health benefits for “telehealth therapy”?
How many sessions per year does my out of network health insurance cover?
What is the out of network coverage amount per therapy session? 
How do I submit claims and what information do you need from me as the member to submit an out of network claim?

Out-of-Network/Out-of-Pocket counseling fees:

For a 45 minute session the fee is $160

For a  60 minute session the fee is $200

Question 9

How much are coaching services?

Accepted Answer

My coaching services help men and women thrive during times of transition that life brings.  With change and transitions comes stress, anxiety, and uncertainty.   My coaching services address the stress, anxiety and questioning of not knowing the next step or if you’re “doing it right”.

Whether it’s becoming an Empty Nester or transitioning to a new career,  I help you tackle these transitions head on and develop the skills to create more ease and confidence in obtaining your life goals.  I use my therapy and organizational consulting background to help coach you using cognitive behavioral coaching techniques to teach you skills that create long-lasting shifts in the way you approach life.

As you strive for the life that you envision, I will work beside you all the while helping you to reduce the stress and overwhelming feelings that change brings as well as supporting you, and giving you the accountability to ensure your success.

Frequently asked questions