Frequently Asked Questions
Can therapy help me?
There are many reasons why you may choose to get professional support. It is a significant decision and an important step toward improving your physical and emotional health, as well as increasing your personal life satisfaction. Common reasons for starting therapy include stressful life transitions (marriage, changing jobs, , divorce, purchasing a home, birth of a child, role change within the family, etc.), sadness or worry, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, grief, experiencing a traumatic event, or adjusting to a new medical condition (for yourself or a loved one). Sometimes you might not know what area needs attention, only that you are not as happy or satisfied as you would like. Contacting our office will help you take the important first step.
How does therapy work?
Therapy works in many different ways. Many individuals begin to notice some relief by having the opportunity to discuss their feelings in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Often times, people carry around their concerns for many years before attempting to address them. Working with a therapist will help you begin to cope with some of the feelings you've been having which will enable you to learn to develop strategies to address your specific life concerns.
Another area where individuals begin to notice the effects of therapy is in the behavioral changes that result from the topic areas being addressed. You may begin to experience improvement in your communication skills, completing steps toward personal goals, and improvement in personal health behaviors. These changes all contribute toward a greater sense of individual empowerment and an overall feeling of wellness.
Over time, with longer term work, you will begin to notice a restructuring of problematic life patterns. By working on deep personal healing, you will see a change in life perspective and ultimate personal growth. All steps and changes in therapy, whether it is through short term, or long term work will lead to greater life satisfaction and fulfillment.
The first session:
The first and often most difficult step is to make an appointment.
Upon arriving for your first visit you will be asked to read and complete several forms. Please arrive 15 minutes early, so you may complete these forms beforehand, allowing you to use the full 50 minutes directly with your therapist. If you would prefer, you may download the forms from our website by clicking on the links below. Please review them before your appointment, and bring them to the visit with you.
Your therapist will spend the first session outlining the therapeutic process with you. You will have the opportunity to discuss your reasons for seeking therapy and some background information will be collected. This is the time to talk about how you've been feeling, your thoughts and concerns, to discuss your relationships, and your specific life stressors. This will enable your therapist to begin to get to know you, and allow you to start to get to know her.
At the end of the session, your therapist will review her understanding of your particular needs, and make recommendations on how to proceed. Together you will begin to set some initial therapeutic goals. Therapy is an open and collaborative process. You will have the opportunity to discuss any of your concerns about the therapeutic process during your first session or at any point during the course of your treatment.
How often will I have a session?
Clients typically begin with weekly sessions. Based on your particular needs, you and your therapist will decide how often you will attend therapy sessions. The length of treatment varies depending on your personal goals and may range from a few sessions (specific problem-focused treatment) to longer-term therapy (to address recurrent problematic life patterns). Treatment is customized to the individual client and will depend on your unique history, experiences, motivation, and goals for treatment.
When does treatment end?
There are times in therapy where you may feel that you want to stop treatment or take a break. Often times this occurs because some problems are tough to discuss and may leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncomfortable. It is very important to communicate these feelings to your therapist when they arise. Your therapist will provide strategies to help you deal with and work through these feelings which will ultimately lead to significant personal growth and feelings of relief.
From time to time during treatment, you and your therapist will review your progress and evaluate your treatment goals. When you begin to find relief more easily and reach your personal goals, you will collectively decide if it is time to take a break or to end treatment. It is important to note that whenever this occurs, it is important to have a final session with your therapist to close your work together. The associates will always be available for you, should you decide that you need to return at any time.
How much does therapy cost?
The fees for therapy services are $150-200 per 50-minute session. Providers are considered "out of network" by insurance companies. Therefore, it is not known how much or if any amount you will be reimbursed by the insurance company for your payments. It is important to contact your insurance company prior to making an appointment to identify how much or what perentage you will be reimbursed for your visit. Payment is due at the time services are rendered. If you would like to submit for insurance coverage, you will be provided a receipt of your payment for this purpose.
How do I make an appointment?
Making that first call to find the professional support you need often can be difficult. We offer a variety of services and experience in diverse areas. If we feel that our services will not be beneficial to you, we will help you find a therapist who will be better able to help you. We have flexible appointment s available, as well as phone or e-mail appointments after an initial in-person visit. Our offices are wheelchair accessible.
What do I do if I feel I am in crisis?
We do not provide crisis services and are NOT available for services 24 hours a day. If you feel that you are in crisis (i.e. are in danger of harming yourself or others) you should go immediately to the nearest hospital. If you do not have someone who can transport you to the nearest hospital, you should call 911 for assistance.